Anemia
Anemia is a condition that develops when you do not have healthy red blood cells (RBCs). This means the hemoglobin (Hgb) levels in your blood are lower than normal. Hemoglobin is the part of the red blood cell that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough oxygen, your body cannot work as it should.
If your body is not making enough RBCs or is destroying them, you can develop anemia. You may also develop anemia if you lose too much blood from your bloodstream.
Anemia is a common side effect in patients with cancer. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, as well as cancers that affect the bone marrow, can cause anemia.
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
A common sign and symptom of anemia is fatigue, which can best be described as extreme tiredness that cannot be relieved by sleep and rest. This is not the only symptom. Other signs of anemia may include:
- Pale skin, nail beds, mouth, and gums
- Trouble staying warm. This is due to oxygen not being carried throughout your body effectively. Your body will push more blood to your core where it needs to be to keep your body temperature stable.
- Trouble concentrating, usually from lack of oxygen in your brain.
- Feeling lightheaded, dizzy, or faint
- Shortness of breath
- Fast breathing
- Headaches
- Rapid or irregular heartbeat
- Swelling in the hands and/or feet
- Chest pain
- Insomnia
