The red color of the blood is explained by the content of the pigment in erythrocytes, containing iron and protein, hemoglobin. This compound performs one of the most necessary functions in the body: the transfer of oxygen molecules. Therefore, it is important to pay close attention to reduced hemoglobin - the symptoms of the condition can be the first signal of impending serious problems and developing diseases.
What symptoms and signs of low hemoglobin in the blood appear first?
In the early stages of pathology, clinical manifestations may be absent due to immune compensation, or the patient simply does not notice them. Further development of anemia is characterized by the following factors:
- fast fatigue, weakness after physical and mental stress;
- blanching of the skin, including mucous membranes;
- sleep disturbances, manifested as drowsiness and insomnia;
- decreased attention, concentration and memory capacity;
- dizziness;
- the appearance of dyspnea , even when climbing the stairs;
- heart palpitations, tachycardia;
- cramps in the muscles of the lower extremities (calves, feet), especially at night.
It should be noted that the primary symptoms of decreased hemoglobin in women become apparent earlier than in men. This is due to the fact that the normal concentration of pigment in the blood in the fair sex varies in the smaller range: 130-147 g / l (in the strong half of humanity - 130-160 g / l).
Further clinical manifestations depend on the type of anemia.
What are the symptoms if hemoglobin is lowered?
If the disease is associated with acute vitamin B12 deficiency, the following symptoms are observed:
- deterioration of the sense of touch, complete loss of it;
- abnormal brain activity, including the occurrence of hallucinations;
- violation of gait and coordination;
- sensations of crawling "goosebumps", false tingling (paresthesia);
- slowness, constrained movements of limbs.
Iron deficiency anemia has the following symptoms:
- changing the shape of the nails on the legs and hands (concavity);
- inflammatory processes on the mucous membranes, often in the mouth;
- pathological taste preferences (paper, ice, hair, earth);
- Infectious Syndrome;
- total retardation;
- deterioration of digestion;
- reduction of protective reactions of immunity.
In acute hemolytic reduction of hemoglobin:
- changing the color of urine to red or brown;
- abdominal pain;
- icterus of the skin;
- subcutaneous hematomas.
Sickle-cell type anemia:
- frequent infection;
- acute pain in the muscles and abdominal cavity;
- persistent convulsions in the limbs;
- delay in development.
Symptoms of decreased hemoglobin in the blood during lead intoxication:
- nausea;
- cutting pain in epigastrium;
- a noticeable dark blue line on the surface of the gums.
Chronic anemia is characterized by the following symptoms:
- trophic non-healing ulcers on the skin of the legs;
- yellow color of the skin, as well as mucous surfaces and eye proteins;
- symptoms of cholelithiasis;
- staining the urine in a dark color, usually - dark red and brown.
For correct diagnosis of pathology, a number of laboratory tests are required:
- a general blood test ;
- Irrigoscopy;
- determination of serum iron binding capacity;
- concentration of protein and iron in the blood;
- computer or magnetic resonance imaging with mandatory use of contrast medium;
- information gathering (from the therapist);
- examination of the gynecologist;
- fibrogastroscopy;
- Ultrasound of the pelvic organs;
- consultations of a surgeon and a hematologist.