The iron-rich protein in the red blood cell is known as hemoglobin. Oxygen going into the lungs mixes with the hemoglobin in the blood, which in turn, transports it to the tissues in the body. Insufficient or non-functional red blood cells in an individual’s body to a shortage of energy which is known as anemia. In this blog post, we will take a look at the symptoms of hemoglobin deficiency.

A hemoglobin protein can mix with four molecules of oxygen, which are then transported throughout the body by the red blood cells. One important function of oxygen is to repair the body’s cells. Hemoglobin helps to give shape to the red blood cells thereby enabling them to move conveniently through blood vessels.

To determine if the level of hemoglobin is high or low, a blood test is usually carried out. If the result is high, this means the level of oxygen in the body is high. Too many red blood cells in the body could be a result of polycythemia, a disease that makes the blood thicker than normal. This condition could result in heart attacks and strokes.

Another common cause of high hemoglobin is smoking, dehydration, heart, or lung diseases. On the other hand, low hemoglobin is usually a result of anemia. Types of anemia are iron-deficiency anemia, vitamin-deficiency anemia, anemia resulting from pregnancy, sickle cell anemia, aplastic anemia, and hemolytic anemia.

Other causes of anemia are kidney disease, chemotherapy, and other conditions that limit the body’s ability to produce red blood cells. You should also know that babies are likely to have anemia at six to eight weeks old. This is as a result of losing the red blood cells they were born with. When this happens, there is no cause for alarm, except another sickness is bothering them.

What are the Symptoms of Hemoglobin Deficiency?

You need to understand that it is not everyone experiencing these symptoms that are suffering from hemoglobin deficiency. But most of the time, these are the common signs people with this condition always experience.

* Dizziness

If you are not pregnant or sick, then suddenly feel light-headed, you should see a doctor. Hemoglobin deficiency causes constant dizziness, especially when you haven’t done anything that could have prompted the reaction.

* Headache

It’s understandable that after a long day, or stressful activity, you are likely to experience headaches. But if you notice the headache has become persistent even after taking pain killers and avoid stressful activities, it could be hemoglobin deficiency. Don’t waste time before paying a visit to the hospital.

* Fast, Irregular heartbeat

Usually, the heart rate should be regular. Irregular heartbeat, especially when you are not entertaining anxiety could likely be a pointer to hemoglobin deficiency. Even if it’s not, something is not right when the heart beats faster than normal. Whatever it might be, you need to seek professional help asap if you are experiencing this symptom.

 * Pounding in the Ears

People who are suffering from this condition often hear the sound of their heartbeat in their ears. This is a common sign that should not be ignored. Once you notice your ears are pounding, it’s likely as a result of hemoglobin deficiency.

* Weakness

Apart from performing strenuous activities, such as running, trekking, or driving long distances, you shouldn’t feel weak. If you are experiencing general body weakness without performing any activity that could have resulted in that, it’s probably anemia. The earlier you consult your physician, the better.

* Pale Skin

Naturally, hemoglobin deficiency makes the skin look pale. Without carrying out a test, some professional health practitioners can easily identify patients suffering from this condition. Hemoglobin deficiency makes the skin look yellowish or pale.

How can Hemoglobin Deficiency be Prevented?

Certain types of hemoglobin deficiency caused by anemia cannot be prevented, an example is sickle cell anemia. But the ones that are usually caused by iron deficiency can be avoided by eating foods rich in iron. Foods like beef, dry fruits, vegetables, nuts, and more should be included in one’s diet. If iron and vitamins are released into the body by consuming these foods, it is impossible to experience hemoglobin deficiency.

Can Hemoglobin Deficiency be Treated?

Before this condition can be treated, the cause has to be known. In the case of those who have iron or vitamin deficiency, changes can be made in their diet. But if not, medications and blood transfusion could be used in alleviating the condition. Other times, treating an underlying illness can make a difference.