Symptom 4: Fatigue and Weakness
Feeling drained and tired might seem like an inevitable part of modern life. Stress, long hours, and a lack of sleep can all lead to fatigue. Yet, when this tiredness becomes chronic and isn’t alleviated with rest, it might be pointing towards a more profound issue. In the context of melena, persistent fatigue and weakness can be indicators of anemia caused by internal bleeding.
Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells or hemoglobin, the molecule responsible for oxygen transport. When internal bleeding, like that causing melena, goes unchecked, it can lead to a loss of red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
One of the first and most pervasive symptoms of anemia is fatigue. It’s not just about feeling sleepy but a profound sense of exhaustion that doesn’t go away with sleep. This fatigue is often accompanied by weakness, making routine tasks feel like insurmountable challenges. (4)
