"I think I've had low iron for years," Lisa Taylor, a 42-year-old business owner in McKinney, Texas, tells Fortune. "I remember in my early twenties I went to donate blood and almost passed out. I started to get a little sweaty and a little dizzy. I didn't say anything." This reflects the common experience of individuals with IDA who often ignore or downplay their symptoms until diagnosed.
"When someone has anemia, they don't have enough circulating red blood cells so their body can't operate at 100%," Maya Bloomberg, a nurse practitioner, explains. "Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, chest pain, headaches, palpitations, pale skin, dizziness, cold hands and feet." These symptoms often go unnoticed until they severely impact daily life.
"This symptom can lead to difficulty thinking, concentrating, processing information, problem solving, forgetfulness, and feeling mentally sluggish," adds Bloomberg. Therefore, reduced oxygen delivery to the brain from anemia can significantly affect cognitive function and productivity.
"If you even think that you're not feeling okay or something's a little bit off, don't brush it off as nothing," advises doctors. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms early and seeking a proper diagnosis to tackle IDA effectively.
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