Clinical Features

Anaemic patients have clinical features that are the direct consequence of the diminished oxygen carrying capacity power of the blood on the tissues and organs of the body. Their occurrence and severity depend on the degree of anaemia, and especially on the rapidity of its development, but are independent of its type. It is therefore essential to realise that the diagnosis of the type of anaemia cannot be made on the clinical features alone. They are:

• Pallor of the skin and mucous membranes
• Fatigue and lassitude
• Breathlessness on exertion
• Dizziness and giddiness
• Burning sensation in the tongue
• Sores at the corners of the mouth
• Smooth tongue
• Brittle nails and hair
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Dimness of vision
• Burning sensation in the tongue
• Headache
• Insomnia
• Palpitations
• Anorexia
• Indigestion
• Tingling and "pins and needles" in the fingers and toes (in advanced cases of B 12 and Folic Acid deficiency)
• Ankle swelling, angina, and cardiac failure in severe cases