Symptom 4. Shortness of Breath: Struggling for Air
Breathlessness or shortness of breath is a common symptom of pernicious anemia. This can occur even with minimal exertion, like walking a short distance or climbing a few stairs. This symptom is due to your body trying to compensate for the lack of oxygen-carrying red blood cells.
Feeling like you’re constantly out of breath is not just physically taxing, it can be mentally distressing too. It can make everyday activities feel incredibly challenging and can contribute to a significant decrease in quality of life.
Moreover, shortness of breath can limit your physical activities, leading to reduced fitness and, in some cases, social isolation. It can also lead to sleep disturbances, like sleep apnea, further worsening the fatigue caused by pernicious anemia.
The severity of this symptom can vary from person to person. While some might only experience mild breathlessness, others may find it severely limiting. Either way, this symptom is a sign that your body is fighting to get the oxygen it needs.
Shortness of breath is a symptom that should never be ignored. Struggling to breathe even with mild exertion is a clear sign that something isn’t right with your body, and pernicious anemia could be the culprit. (4)
