When should you worry about fatigue if you have anaemia?

Anaemia means the blood has reduced oxygen-carrying capacity. The body may respond with low energy, reduced exercise tolerance, headaches, dizziness, pale skin or a fast heartbeat. Iron deficiency is one possible cause, but blood loss, vitamin deficiency, chronic illness and inherited conditions can also contribute. Treating the cause is as important as improving the blood count.

Arrange an appointment if fatigue continues or interferes with work, study, sleep or usual movement. Bring a list of medicines and supplements, mention heavy or unusual bleeding, and note dietary changes, bowel symptoms or breathlessness. Do not start high-dose iron without advice; the correct treatment depends on the type and cause of anaemia. Rest when needed and avoid pushing through dizziness.

Get emergency help for chest pain, severe breathlessness at rest, fainting, new confusion, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, vomiting blood, black stools or heavy ongoing bleeding. Prompt review is also needed if fatigue worsens quickly, you are pregnant, or dizziness makes walking unsafe. Assessment may include a blood count and tests directed at the suspected cause.

What type of anaemia do I have? Could there be hidden blood loss or a nutritional cause? Which treatment and follow-up tests do I need? Which symptoms should make me seek help sooner?