Within the past month I've had many symtoms of Anemia

Extreme fatigue
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Confusion or loss of concentration
Dizziness or fainting
Pale skin, including decreased pinkness of the lips, gums, lining of the eyelids,
Rapid heart beat (tachycardia)
Feeling cold
Sadness / depression


At first I thought it was hyperthroidism, and thats still a posability. I went to the docs and he took a Helicobacter Pylori blood test. I should get the results next week. Would this test show if I have Anemia?

Also to add, I took Trimethoprim about 5 months ago. I had a bad reaction to it, I stopped taking it after 3 weeks. I came out in a rash on my stomache!

I was also born with a heart mumour.

Can anyone give me a description of Anemia? what is it and how is it treated? And what are the dangers if it isnt treated correctly or early enough.

Thanks

Hiya,

A Helicobactor test will not show if you have anaemia. That test is used only to find out if you have infection in your stomach.

To diagnose anaemia you will need to have a FBC (CBC if you're in the US) done, a ferritin level and possibly a B12 abd folate.

Iron defiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia and is literally as it sounds, a lack of iron. This usually shows up in a blood test by a low haemaoglobin level and/or a low ferritin. This kind of anaemia is normally very easy treat. Though you should have investigations as to how it has been caused, which can be something as simple as diet or if you're female heavy periods.

Pernicious anaemia is caused by a lack of vitamin B12. This is slightly less common by as easy to treat, usually with B12 injections. Obviously a cause should be established too. This means you are normally investigated to see if you have an asorption problem.

I do hope this helps you. By the sounds of your symptoms I would say you need to ask your doctor to be tested to rule it out.

Take care:)

A blood test can show anemia but I'm not sure which one. The symptoms you have said can be anemia but also overlap with many others. The symptoms you have mentioned also fall under B12 deficiencies (maybe more so then iron). B12 is connected to anemia because not enough B12 can prohibit your body from producing enough red blood cells. If your test that you had done does not show the iron or B12 then I would ask for another test.

Good luck. Hope you feel better soon!
Amanda

I just got tested for anemia last week and they did a CBC. I almost fainted after they took the tiny tube of blood.. is this a sign of anemia?

I've just been extremely tired lately.. even with plenty of sleep. In my college classes I have trouble staying awake and fall asleep often. I also can't focus well.. I forgot to do an online quiz and went to go to the bank.. I drove right past the bank and ended up headed who knows where! I do this pretty often, and I do get headaches more than I used to. I think the headache part is from dehydration. I was very busy and worked and had a busy social life, but I quit my job and work a few small little jobs like teaching piano that barely takes time.. so I don't think it is a stress problem.

Also, I have been taking a multivitamin so I have been getting iron, and I try to eat pretty healthy.. I don't eat a whole lot of meat though since I am a college student and usually end up eating pasta or cheaper foods.

I love to work out and sometimes I just don't have the energy for it! I try to do something and I will go to the gym.. but then be even more tired!

Can anyone give me any advice?