When to worry about shortness of breath with anaemia

Red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. When haemoglobin is low, the body may compensate by making the heart beat faster and breathing harder, especially during walking or climbing stairs. Tiredness, paleness, dizziness, headaches, or a racing heartbeat may occur as well. Breathlessness can have other causes, so a blood test and an assessment of the underlying reason for anaemia help guide care.

Arrange a medical review if breathlessness is new, persistent, or limiting your usual activities. Keep a record of when it occurs, whether it appears at rest, and any bleeding, heavy periods, dark stools, dietary changes, or medicines. Take prescribed treatment as directed, but do not begin iron or other supplements without advice because the cause of anaemia determines the right treatment. Rest and rise slowly if dizzy.

Call emergency services for severe breathing difficulty, chest pressure or pain, fainting, new confusion, blue lips, or inability to speak comfortably. Seek urgent assessment for black or bloody stools, vomiting blood, heavy ongoing bleeding, a very fast or irregular heartbeat, or breathlessness that suddenly worsens. Do not drive if you feel faint or cannot breathe normally.

Ask which type of anaemia you have, what may be causing it, and which blood tests are needed. Discuss treatment options, how quickly symptoms should be reassessed, and whether your heart or lungs need checking if breathlessness continues despite improving blood results.