Last Updated on December 14, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Anaemia is a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body’s tissues. It is one major health condition affecting people of all age groups in India. One of the most commonly reported symptoms associated with anaemia is dizziness. In this article, we will discuss whether anaemia causes dizziness. We will further explore the relationship between anaemia and dizziness.
Why does anaemia cause dizziness?
Anaemia reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to cause tissue hypoxia. Hypoxia happens when our body tissues do not get enough oxygen to stay healthy. It occurs when there is not enough oxygen reaching the tissues either because of low blood flow or low oxygen levels in the blood.
So, when the brain does not receive an adequate oxygen supply, it can result in feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness. The reduced oxygen levels affect the brain’s functioning, causing an individual to experience a sensation of spinning or unsteadiness.
Additionally, anaemia can lead to a rapid heart rate as the body attempts to compensate for the reduced oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood. This increased heart rate, known as tachycardia, might contribute to feelings of dizziness or faintness.
Besides these reasons, anaemia can increase orthostatic hypotension which is a condition where blood pressure drops when a person stands up quickly, leading to dizziness or lightheadedness. This orthostatic hypotension can cause anaemia and dizziness in the morning.
Can low iron cause dizziness?
Yes. Low iron can cause dizziness. Iron deficiency is one of the most common causes of anaemia. Haemoglobin, which contains iron, is essential for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body. When there is insufficient iron to produce haemoglobin, the body can not transport oxygen effectively, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and in some cases, pale skin and chest pain.
How to identify anaemia-induced dizziness?
Symptoms of anaemia may vary from mild to severe. Individuals might experience faintness, a spinning sensation, feeling off-balance, or even a tendency to faint (syncope). These symptoms could worsen with physical activity or standing up suddenly.
The presence of other anaemia symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and cold hands and feet, might accompany the dizziness, serving as additional indicators of anaemia.
How do you manage anaemia-induced dizziness?
Treating anaemia aims to address the underlying cause and improve the body’s red blood cell count. Depending on the type and severity of anaemia, treatment may involve dietary changes, iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, blood transfusions, or medications to stimulate red blood cell production.
For those experiencing dizziness due to anaemia, managing the symptom might involve:
- Addressing the underlying cause: Identifying the specific type of anaemia and its root cause is crucial. For instance, diamond blackfan anaemia, a rare blood disorder affecting red blood cell production, requires specialized treatment and ongoing medical care.
- Supplementation and diet modification: Iron-rich foods or supplements, along with other essential vitamins needed for red blood cell production, could be prescribed to address low iron levels, which can cause dizziness.
- Medical intervention: Severe cases might require medical interventions like blood transfusions or medications to boost red blood cell production.
In conclusion, the correlation between anaemia and dizziness is evident, with reduced oxygen supply to the brain being a primary factor. Managing anaemia-induced dizziness involves treating the underlying cause and improving red blood cell production through dietary changes, supplementation, and, in severe cases, medical interventions. Understanding the specific type of anaemia, such as Diamond Blackfan anaemia, is vital for tailored management strategies and long-term care.
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