Symptom 4: Anemia (Low Red Blood Cell Count)
Anemia isn’t just a medical term tossed around in health conversations; it’s a genuine concern, especially for those grappling with ALPS. Dive deeper, and anemia is, in essence, a decrease in the number of red blood cells (RBCs) or the amount of hemoglobin within them. These RBCs are the life force of our circulatory system, ferrying oxygen to every cell and ensuring the body hums along smoothly.
The connection between ALPS and anemia might seem elusive at first. However, understand that the immune system, when affected by ALPS, can sometimes mistakenly target and destroy these RBCs. This self-destruction leads to a decline in RBC count, translating to anemia.
But how does one recognize this? Symptoms might be subtle initially. It can start with persistent fatigue, not the everyday tiredness from a long day, but an overwhelming sense of exhaustion. One might also notice paleness in the skin, shortness of breath, or even occasional dizziness. (4)
