15 Telltale Signs and Symptoms of Anemia: Recognizing the Red Flags

Symptom 3. Shortness of Breath: Anemia’s Impact on Your Respiratory System

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Shortness of Breath Anemia's Impact on Your Respiratory System
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Anemia can also lead to shortness of breath, a symptom that can prove quite alarming. The rationale behind this is simple – your body isn’t getting enough oxygen due to low red blood cell count. To compensate, your body increases its breathing rate in an attempt to bring in more oxygen.

You may find yourself gasping for air after minor physical exertion like walking a short distance or climbing a few stairs. Or perhaps you feel breathless while at rest or lying down, which can be particularly disconcerting.

Shortness of breath can disrupt your everyday life. It can make tasks, from the mundane to the essential, increasingly challenging. The constant lack of breath can trigger anxiety, amplifying the symptom further. (3)

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