“What happens when you are severely anemic?”
My 16 year old daughter is very anemic. I want to know what happens when you are severely anemic?
4 Answers
Anemia can cause severe fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, dizziness.
People with moderate to severe anemia usually complain of fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath and dizziness when they stand up. The blood pressure tends to fall and so does the oxygen level. Severe anemia needs to be treated in the hospital very quickly. A blood transfusion or an iron infusion and IV fluids may be needed urgently.
First, see a hematologist or your family doctor. Many causes, like iron deficiency, hemolytic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, blood loss, anemia, i.e., GI bleeding (black or red stools), or autoimmune disorders. Needs a good work-up.
It is common for teenage females to get anemic, but severe anemia should be fixed in order to make her feel better, but also to prevent consequences of severe anemia such as poor oxygenation and worsening neurologic/brain development.
