Anemia: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients

Q: Anemia: Common Questions and Concerns for Patients

Dear Ms. RG： 1. The first time, I walked for about half an hour in hot weather, and I started feeling increasingly dizzy, eventually experiencing blurred vision and needing support, along with excessive sweating. After resting for a while, I felt much better. I

Questions related to anemia?

Recently, I experienced dizziness and pale complexion twice, which led me to undergo a blood test that revealed anemia.
Here are my test results: Hb 9.9, Hct 32.8, MCV 75.6, MCH 22.8, MCHC 30.2, RDW 19.7.
I would like to ask a few questions:
1.
The first time, I was walking for about half an hour in hot weather, and I started feeling increasingly dizzy, eventually experiencing blurred vision and needing support, along with excessive sweating.
After resting for a while, I felt much better.
I had a light meal that day.
Could this be related to my anemia?
2.
The second time, in similarly hot weather, I walked uphill for about ten minutes and became dizzy, with a pale complexion and slightly faster breathing.
Could this also be a symptom of anemia?
3.
Does anemia make one more prone to dizziness when caloric intake is low?
4.
Given my anemia, would participating in ball sports training make me more susceptible to dizziness? The training includes physical fitness and muscular endurance.
What should I be cautious about? Last year, I experienced asthma-like symptoms during training.
5.
Are there any specific precautions that individuals with anemia should take when exercising? Thank you, doctor, for taking the time to answer my questions.

RG, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/08/09

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Family Medicine

Dear Ms.
RG:
1.
The first time, I walked for about half an hour in hot weather, and I started feeling increasingly dizzy, eventually experiencing blurred vision and needing support, along with excessive sweating.
After resting for a while, I felt much better.
I had eaten less that day; could this be related to anemia?
Answer: Not necessarily.
Walking for about half an hour in hot weather can lead to dizziness, blurred vision, needing support, excessive sweating, reduced food intake, and improvement after resting.
Common factors to consider include anemia, hypoglycemia, hypotension, heat exhaustion, or other underlying conditions.
2.
The second time, in hot weather, I walked uphill for about ten minutes and became pale and slightly breathless.
Could this also be a symptom of anemia?
Answer: It could be a symptom of anemia, but it may not be.
Depending on the severity of anemia, symptoms can appear at rest or only after intense exercise, such as shortness of breath and fatigue.
For example, heat exhaustion can also cause paleness and breathlessness; it is not solely indicative of anemia.
Of course, anemia combined with heat exhaustion could exacerbate the symptoms.
3.
Does anemia make one more prone to dizziness when caloric intake is low?
Answer: If anemia is confirmed, along with hypoglycemia, hypotension, electrolyte imbalances, heat injury, etc., it could indeed worsen the symptoms of anemia.
4.
With my level of anemia, would participating in ball sports training make me more prone to dizziness? The training includes physical fitness and muscular endurance.
What should I be aware of? Last year, I experienced shortness of breath halfway through training.

Answer: If anemia is confirmed, intense exercise or physical training could certainly lead to increased dizziness.
It is important to consult your primary care physician or a hematologist for further diagnosis and treatment.
This means identifying the underlying cause of the anemia (e.g., heavy menstrual bleeding, uterine fibroids, hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, blood disorders, infections, chronic diseases, etc.) and addressing it appropriately to resolve the issue fundamentally.
5.
Are there any special considerations for exercising with anemia?
Answer: Identify the cause of the anemia and treat it accordingly.
Forcing oneself to exercise or self-diagnosing treatment is not advisable.
I urge you to consult your primary care physician or a hematologist for proper management.

Reply Date: 2018/08/09

More Info

Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood, leading to reduced oxygen transport to the body's tissues. Your recent blood test results indicate that you have anemia, with a hemoglobin (Hb) level of 9.9 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) of 32.8%, and other related indices suggesting microcytic anemia (as indicated by low MCV and MCH values). Let's address your questions and concerns regarding your condition.

1. Connection Between Anemia and Symptoms: The symptoms you experienced during both episodes—dizziness, pale complexion, excessive sweating, and visual disturbances—are indeed consistent with anemia. When your body is anemic, it struggles to deliver adequate oxygen to the brain and other vital organs, especially during physical exertion or in hot weather. The combination of heat, physical activity, and possibly inadequate caloric intake can exacerbate these symptoms. In your case, the hot weather and limited food intake likely contributed to your dizziness and faintness.

2. Symptoms During Physical Activity: The second episode you described, where you felt faint and pale after a short uphill walk, is also indicative of anemia. Physical exertion increases the demand for oxygen, and if your blood cannot meet this demand due to low hemoglobin levels, you may experience symptoms like dizziness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. This is particularly true in hot weather, where your body is already working hard to regulate temperature.

3. Impact of Caloric Intake on Anemia: Yes, a reduced caloric intake can worsen anemia. The body requires adequate nutrition, including iron, vitamins (like B12 and folate), and overall calories, to produce healthy red blood cells. If you're not consuming enough calories, your body may not have the necessary resources to produce hemoglobin, leading to more pronounced symptoms of anemia, such as dizziness and fatigue.

4. Exercise and Anemia: Engaging in sports or physical training with anemia can be challenging. While exercise is beneficial for overall health, individuals with anemia may experience increased fatigue and a higher risk of dizziness or fainting during intense activities. If you are considering participating in ball sports or any strenuous training, it is crucial to listen to your body. Start with low-intensity exercises and gradually increase the intensity as your condition improves. Ensure you stay well-hydrated and consume a balanced diet rich in iron and other nutrients.

5. Precautions for Anemic Individuals During Exercise: If you have anemia, here are some precautions to consider:
- Consult Your Doctor: Before starting or continuing any exercise program, consult your healthcare provider to assess your anemia and get personalized recommendations.

- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to how you feel during and after exercise. If you experience dizziness, shortness of breath, or excessive fatigue, stop exercising and rest.

- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can exacerbate symptoms of anemia, so drink plenty of fluids, especially in hot weather.

- Nutritional Support: Focus on a diet that includes iron-rich foods (like red meat, beans, lentils, and leafy greens), vitamin C (to enhance iron absorption), and other essential nutrients.

- Gradual Progression: If cleared by your doctor, gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts to allow your body to adapt.

In summary, your symptoms are likely related to your anemia, and it is essential to manage your condition through proper nutrition, hydration, and exercise modifications. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help monitor your anemia and adjust your treatment plan as necessary. If you have further concerns or experience worsening symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

Similar Q&A

Anemia and Blood Transfusion: Risks and Recommendations for Recovery

Dear Doctor, due to anemia caused by hemorrhoidal bleeding (with a normal hemoglobin level of 14-16, but my level is 6), aside from resting and consuming nutritious foods, is blood transfusion a quicker solution? What methods do you recommend for replenishing blood? Additionally,...

Dr. Ke Fangxu reply Surgery
Hello: In response to your question, the treatment for anemia primarily involves blood transfusions. Generally, for young individuals with hemoglobin levels below 10 g/dL, blood transfusion is recommended. If there is a fear of contracting unknown diseases from transfusions, diet...

Which Doctor Should You See for Anemia Concerns?

I looked online for a hematologist, but I couldn't find any outpatient clinics specifically for hematologic oncology. I'm unsure which doctor I should consult regarding anemia. I apologize for any inconvenience.

Dr. Xiao Yongxun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your question. Anemia is commonly encountered in clinical practice and generally refers to a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood. For hemoglobin levels, the normal range for males is 14-18 gm/dL, and for females, it is 12-16 ...

Anemia Concerns: Do I Really Need a Blood Transfusion?

Hello, Doctor: I often feel dizzy and almost faint. 1. Before feeling dizzy, I experience some pain and tightness in my heart. 2. I have a tendency to become easily irritable. 3. I feel very fatigued every day. 4. My limbs often feel sore and numb! Therefore, I went to the hospit...

Dr. Yao Quan reply Internal Medicine
Dear Ms. Hsiao, According to your blood test report, you are classified as having "microcytic anemia." The more common causes are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Your hemoglobin level is at #9 (which is low), and if you require a blood transfusion to raise your...

Understanding Anemia in Oncology: A Patient's Concerns and Insights

Dear Doctor, I am 177 cm tall and weigh 57 kg. I have experienced occasional dizziness, so I went to the hospital for blood tests. On August 4th, my complete blood count showed that only the following three items were low: red blood cell count 4.62, hemoglobin 13.2, and hematoc...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
David: You have mild anemia, and thalassemia remains a consideration for diagnosis. Mild thalassemia can sometimes be difficult to detect. It is recommended to continue monitoring, and if there are no changes, you should be reassured. Sincerely, Fan Sheng.