Anemia Symptoms: 21 Scary Signs You Need Care

Bilal Hasdemir

Live and Feel Content Team

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Anemia Symptoms: 21 Scary Signs You Need Care 4

Anemia is when you don’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. This means your body can’t get enough oxygen. It’s a silent yet pervasive disorder that affects nearly one-third of the world’s population. Symptoms can range from mild fatigue to severe complications.

It’s important to know all the anemia symptoms to get diagnosed and treated on time. We’ll look at the 21 main symptoms of anemia. These include fatigue, weakness, dizziness, and more. This will help you understand anemia better.

Key Takeaways

Anemia is a widespread condition affecting a significant portion of the global population.
The symptoms of anemia can range from mild to severe.
Timely diagnosis is key for managing anemia effectively.
Knowing the symptoms is essential for identifying anemia.
We will discuss 21 primary symptoms associated with anemia.

Understanding Anemia: A Common Blood Disorder

Anemia is a common blood disorder that significantly impacts the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to tissues and organs, affecting overall health and vitality. It happens when there’s not enough red blood cells or when those cells don’t work well. Red blood cells are key for carrying oxygen all over the body.

Definition and Prevalence of Anemia

Anemia is when you don’t have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. It’s found in about 27% of the world’s population. Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type. It’s caused by not getting enough iron or not being able to use it well.

Anemia is more common in some places because of diet, money, and healthcare access. In areas with less money and healthcare, anemia is even more common. This is because people might not get enough to eat or have access to health care.

Region	Prevalence of Anemia (%)	Primary Causes
Global	27%	Iron deficiency, nutritional deficiencies
Developing Countries	Higher than 30%	Iron deficiency, limited access to healthcare, poor nutrition
Developed Countries	Lower than 20%	Nutritional deficiencies, chronic diseases

How Anemia Affects Oxygen Delivery in the Body

Anemia makes it hard for the body to get oxygen to its tissues and organs. Red blood cells carry oxygen because they have hemoglobin. When there are fewer or lower-quality red blood cells, oxygen can’t get where it needs to go.

This problem can cause symptoms like tiredness, weakness, and trouble breathing. The body’s tissues and organs need oxygen to work right. Knowing how anemia affects oxygen delivery shows why it’s important to find and treat it early.

Types of Anemia and Their Causes

Anemia is not just one condition, but a group of disorders. They all share a common symptom: a lack of healthy red blood cells. Each type of anemia has its own causes and risk factors. Knowing these differences is key for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Iron-Deficiency Anemia

Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common anemia worldwide. It affects women and children the most. It happens when the body lacks enough iron to make hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells.

Iron deficiency can come from not eating enough iron, losing blood too much, or needing more iron during pregnancy.

“Iron-deficiency anemia is a big public health issue, mainly in developing countries,” says the World Health Organization. This shows why we need to spread awareness and take preventive steps.

Vitamin Deficiency Anemias

Other nutrients like vitamin B12 and folate are also important for making healthy red blood cells. Not having enough of these vitamins can cause specific types of anemia. For example, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to pernicious anemia, where the body can’t absorb vitamin B12.

Folate deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, where red blood cells are too big and abnormal.

Anemia of Chronic Disease

Chronic diseases like infections, inflammatory conditions, and cancers can cause anemia of chronic disease. This anemia is complex. It involves how the body responds to chronic illness, affecting iron and red blood cell production.

Hemolytic Anemias

Hemolytic anemias are when red blood cells break down too early. This can be due to inherited conditions like sickle cell anemia and thalassemia, or acquired conditions like autoimmune hemolytic anemia. The causes and symptoms vary, needing specific treatments.

In conclusion, anemia is complex, with many types and causes. Understanding each type is essential for effective management. By recognizing the unique characteristics of each, healthcare providers can offer better care and improve patient outcomes.

Risk Factors for Developing Anemia

Knowing the risk factors for anemia is key to preventing and catching it early. Anemia is complex, influenced by many factors. These include who you are, what you eat, and any health conditions you might have.

Age and Gender Considerations

Some groups face a higher risk of anemia. Young children and those who menstruate often struggle with iron deficiency and anemia. Women of childbearing age lose iron with each period, and pregnant women need more iron for the baby. Older adults might not get enough nutrients from their food.

Dietary Factors

Your diet is very important for avoiding anemia, mainly iron-deficiency anemia. Eating foods low in iron can lead to anemia. Vegetarians and vegans face a higher risk because they don’t eat animal products. But, they can get iron from plants. Not getting enough vitamins B12 and folate also raises anemia risk.

Medical Conditions That Increase Risk

Some health issues can greatly up your risk of anemia. Chronic diseases like kidney disease, cancer, and HIV/AIDS can cause anemia. Hemolytic anemias happen when red blood cells are destroyed too fast. This can be due to infections, meds, or autoimmune diseases. Also, conditions like celiac disease and Crohn’s disease can affect nutrient absorption and lead to anemia.

By knowing these risk factors, you can take steps to lower your chance of getting anemia. If you start to feel symptoms, see a doctor right away.

Fatigue and Weakness: Primary Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia often brings a deep and lasting fatigue. It’s not just feeling tired; it’s a deep energy loss that affects daily life. Over 70% of anemia cases report this symptom.

Extreme Fatigue and Energy Loss

People with anemia feel extreme fatigue. This exhaustion doesn’t get better with rest. Simple tasks become huge challenges. The body can’t move enough oxygen to tissues and organs because of a lack of red blood cells.

General Weakness and Reduced Stamina

Those with anemia also feel general weakness and less stamina. This makes it hard to do physical activities or stay productive at work. The weakness also affects mental clarity and focus.

Muscle Weakness and Physical Limitations

Muscle weakness is another big problem for anemia sufferers. It makes everyday tasks hard, like carrying groceries or climbing stairs. In bad cases, it can limit physical ability, affecting independence and mobility.

Knowing these main symptoms of anemia is key for early treatment. If you’re always tired, weak, or have other anemia symptoms, see a doctor.

Neurological Symptoms of Anemia

Neurological symptoms from anemia can affect both body and mind. When anemia strikes, the body’s tissues and organs don’t get enough oxygen. This can cause many neurological problems.

Dizziness and Lightheadedness

Dizziness or lightheadedness is a common sign of anemia. It happens because the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. This makes you feel off-balance or like you might faint.

Dizziness can make you more likely to fall and get hurt.
Lightheadedness gets worse when you stand up fast or change positions.

Headaches and Migraines

Anemia can also cause headaches and migraines. This is because the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. These headaches can be mild or very severe. They might also make you sensitive to light and sound.

Headaches can keep coming back if anemia isn’t treated.
Migraines can be triggered by low oxygen levels in the body.

Poor Concentration and Cognitive Impairment

People with anemia often struggle with concentration and memory. The brain doesn’t get enough oxygen. This can make it hard to focus, remember things, and make decisions.

Cognitive impairment can make everyday tasks and work harder.
Poor concentration makes it tough to finish tasks or follow instructions.

Irritability and Mood Changes

Anemia can also make you feel irritable and change your mood. Low oxygen levels can mess with how neurotransmitters work. This can lead to mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

Irritability can strain your relationships at work and home.
Mood changes can really affect your quality of life if you have anemia.

In conclusion, anemia’s neurological symptoms can really impact your life. It’s important to recognize these signs early. This way, you can get diagnosed and treated quickly.

Cardiovascular Signs in Anemia Patients

Cardiovascular signs in anemia are very important. They show how anemia affects the body. Anemia makes it hard for the body to get oxygen to its tissues and organs.

Shortness of Breath (Dyspnea)

Shortness of breath, or dyspnea, is a common sign in anemia patients. The body tries to make up for the lack of red blood cells by working harder. This can make it hard to breathe, even when you’re not doing much.

“The feeling of not being able to catch one’s breath can be very distressing,” showing why it’s important to see a doctor quickly.

Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)

Tachycardia, or a fast heartbeat, is another symptom. The heart beats faster to try to get more oxygen to the body. This can make the heart feel like it’s racing and can hurt in the chest.

Tachycardia can be very worrying for people with heart problems.

Heart Palpitations and Irregular Rhythms

Heart palpitations and irregular rhythms can happen too. The heart works hard because of anemia, leading to arrhythmias. These can feel like the heart is skipping beats or fluttering.

Palpitations can be a sign of anemia’s effect on the heart.
Irregular heart rhythms might need to be watched and treated.

Chest Pain and Discomfort

Chest pain and discomfort are serious signs, often seen in severe anemia or heart problems. The heart muscle doesn’t get enough oxygen, leading to chest pain, or angina.

“Chest pain should never be ignored, as it can be a sign of a serious underlying condition.”

It’s key to know these signs to manage anemia well and avoid problems. Spotting symptoms early helps patients get the help they need.

Physical Appearance Changes Due to Anemia

Anemia can cause noticeable changes in how people look and feel. These changes are not just about looks. They often show a health problem that needs fixing.

Pallor

Pallor, or paleness, is a common sign of anemia. It’s more visible in people with fair skin. Pallor happens when there are fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin in the blood. This makes the skin, gums, and nails look paler.

Pale skin can make a person look tired or unwell.
Gums may lose their healthy pink color, becoming pale or even white.
Nail beds can also appear pale, indicating a lack of sufficient hemoglobin.

Cold Hands and Feet

People with anemia often have cold hands and feet. This is because of poor circulation and not enough red blood cells. This can make it hard to do daily activities. Keeping warm and exercising regularly can help.

Poor circulation reduces the delivery of oxygen and nutrients.
Cold temperatures can make hands and feet feel colder.
Regular physical activity can improve circulation.

Jaundice in Hemolytic Anemia

In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells break down too fast. This can cause jaundice, where the skin and eyes turn yellow. This is because of bilirubin buildup from red blood cell breakdown. Jaundice is a clear sign of hemolytic anemia and needs doctor’s attention.

Yellowing of the skin and eyes is a visible sign.
Bilirubin buildup is the cause of the yellow discoloration.
Medical evaluation is necessary to diagnose the underlying cause.

Nail and Skin Manifestations in Anemia Patients

Anemia makes it hard for blood to carry oxygen. Visible signs like nail and skin changes can hint at anemia. These signs help both patients and doctors spot problems early.

Brittle and Fragile Nails

Brittle and fragile nails are a common sign of anemia. This happens because anemia lacks iron, needed for healthy nails. Brittle nails break or crack easily, causing pain and looking bad.

Iron deficiency anemia can also change nails. shows iron is key for nail health. Without enough iron, nails can look abnormal.

Koilonychia (Spoon-Shaped Nails)

Koilonychia, or spoon-shaped nails, is another sign of anemia. These nails are thin and concave, like a spoon. It’s a clear sign of iron deficiency anemia.

Koilonychia happens when iron levels drop. It’s a sign that the body needs more iron.

Skin Changes and Symptoms

Anemia also affects the skin. One common sign is pallor, or pale skin. This is due to fewer red blood cells or less hemoglobin.

Jaundice, a yellowish skin color, can also occur. It happens in hemolytic anemia, when red blood cells break down too fast.

Knowing about these signs can help catch anemia early. If you notice any, see a doctor for help.

Unusual Behavioral Symptoms of Anemia

Anemia affects more than just your body. It can change how you act, too. People with anemia often feel tired and weak. But, they might also act differently in ways that really hurt their daily life.

Pica: Craving and Eating Non-Food Items

Pica is when you want to eat things that aren’t food. It’s common in people with iron deficiency anemia. They might eat dirt, clay, ice, or even paper. Why this happens isn’t clear, but it’s thought to be because of a lack of nutrients.

Eating non-food items can be dangerous. It might cause infections or blockages in your intestines. If you’re eating things you shouldn’t, you need to see a doctor to fix both the pica and the anemia.

Restless Legs Syndrome and Sleep Disturbances

Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS) is another sign of anemia. It makes you feel like you have to move your legs, and it feels bad. This can mess up your sleep, making it hard to rest. It’s worse at night, making you even more tired.

Fixing the anemia can help with RLS. Doctors might suggest changing your diet, taking iron, or other treatments to manage the symptoms.

Bleeding-Related Symptoms in Anemia

Bleeding-related symptoms are a big worry for people with anemia. They can really affect their health and happiness. These symptoms can be different for everyone but often involve bleeding or bruising.

Easy Bruising and Prolonged Bleeding

Easy bruising is a common symptom of anemia. It happens because anemia can make it hard for the body to make enough platelets or keep blood vessels healthy. This makes it easier for bruises to show up. Also, people with anemia might bleed a lot after injuries or surgeries. This is because they don’t have enough red blood cells or platelets to help stop the bleeding.

“Easy bruising and prolonged bleeding can really make life hard,” says a hematology expert. It’s very important to deal with these symptoms quickly to avoid more problems.

Increased Bleeding Tendency

Anemia can also make bleeding more likely. This might show up as frequent nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or heavy bleeding from small cuts. The main reason is that the body can’t make clots as well because it lacks red blood cells or platelets.

To handle this symptom, finding and treating the cause of anemia is key. Getting a diagnosis and treatment early can really help lower the risk of bleeding problems.

Heavy Menstrual Periods (Menorrhagia)

Heavy menstrual periods, or menorrhagia, are a big reason for iron deficiency anemia in women. Losing a lot of blood during menstruation can really lower iron levels, making anemia worse. Women with heavy periods might feel very tired, weak, and short of breath, which can be really tough.

Research shows that menorrhagia is a top cause of anemia in women of childbearing age. Managing menorrhagia can involve hormones, iron supplements, or other ways to cut down on menstrual blood loss.

By understanding and tackling these bleeding symptoms, people with anemia can get the right care. This can really help improve their health.

Digestive and Appetite Changes in Anemia

Anemia affects more than just energy levels. It can also change how we digest food and how hungry we feel. This condition, marked by a lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin, can cause stomach problems. These issues can affect how well we absorb nutrients and our overall health.

Loss of Appetite

Many people with anemia don’t feel like eating. This is because their bodies can’t carry enough oxygen to their digestive system. This makes it harder to digest food, leading to a lack of appetite.

Several factors contribute to this loss of appetite:

Reduced oxygen delivery to the digestive organs, impairing their function.
Increased levels of cytokines, which are proteins that can suppress appetite.
General feeling of malaise and discomfort that often accompanies anemia.

Digestive Discomfort and Nausea

People with anemia often feel sick to their stomach. This can cause:

Nausea and vomiting, potentially leading to dehydration and further complicating nutritional deficiencies.
Bloating and gas, causing discomfort and potentially affecting appetite.
Abdominal pain, which can range from mild to severe.

These stomach problems can make it hard to eat well. They can also lower the quality of life and make it harder to get enough nutrients.

Weight Loss and Nutritional Concerns

Weight loss is a big worry for those with anemia. It often comes with a lack of appetite and stomach issues. This can lead to malnutrition, making the condition worse.

Some nutritional worries for anemia include:

Inadequate iron intake, which is key for iron-deficiency anemia.
Deficiencies in vitamins like B12 and folate, needed for making red blood cells.
Overall caloric intake, which might be too low because of not feeling hungry or stomach problems.

It’s important to tackle these nutritional issues to manage anemia well. This means treating the cause and making sure the person gets enough nutrients for their health.

Diagnosing Anemia: When to See a Doctor

Knowing when to see a doctor for anemia is key. Anemia can show up in many ways, some of which might seem minor at first. But, ignoring these signs can really hurt your quality of life.

Key Symptoms That Warrant Medical Attention

Some symptoms are clear signs you need to see a doctor. These include:

Persistent Fatigue: Feeling extremely weak or tired all the time.
Shortness of Breath: Experiencing dyspnea or difficulty breathing even when doing simple tasks.
Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Feeling like you might pass out.
Pale Skin: Noticing pallor or a pale appearance of the skin, lips, or nail beds.

Diagnostic Tests for Anemia

Diagnosing anemia usually means a series of blood tests. The main test is a Complete Blood Count (CBC). It checks different parts of the blood, like:

Test Component	What It Measures	Significance in Anemia Diagnosis
Hemoglobin (Hb)	The amount of hemoglobin in red blood cells	Low levels indicate anemia
Hematocrit (Hct)	The proportion of red blood cells in blood	Helps determine the severity of anemia
Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)	The average size of red blood cells	Indicates the type of anemia (microcytic, normocytic, macrocytic)

Understanding Your Blood Test Results

It’s important to understand your blood test results. Your doctor will look at these results with your health, medical history, and other findings in mind.

For instance, if your CBC shows low hemoglobin and hematocrit levels, it means you have anemia. The MCV value helps figure out the type of anemia you have. This guides how to treat it.

Treatment Options for Different Types of Anemia

Understanding the various treatment options for anemia is key. Each type of anemia needs a specific approach. Anemia is complex, with many causes, so treatments vary.

Iron Supplements and Their Use

Iron supplements are vital for treating iron-deficiency anemia. They help increase iron in the body, boosting hemoglobin. This improves symptoms like fatigue and weakness. Oral iron supplements are usually recommended, but intravenous iron may be needed in severe cases.

Dietary Changes to Combat Anemia

Diet is important in managing anemia, like iron-deficiency anemia. Eating more iron-rich foods, such as red meat and beans, helps. Vitamin C boosts iron absorption, so foods like citrus fruits are good to eat with iron-rich foods.

We also suggest avoiding foods that lower iron absorption, like tea and coffee. This way, iron from food can be better absorbed.

Medical Treatments for Specific Anemia Types

Each anemia type needs its own medical treatment. For vitamin deficiency anemias, like pernicious anemia, vitamin B12 supplements are used. Anemia of chronic disease may need treatment for the underlying condition.

In some cases, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) help make more red blood cells. For hemolytic anemias, treatments like corticosteroids may be needed to reduce red blood cell destruction.

Blood Transfusions and When They’re Needed

Blood transfusions are for severe anemia cases. They quickly raise red blood cell counts and improve oxygen delivery. But, they’re usually for severe cases or when other treatments fail.

Foods Rich in Iron and Other Nutrients for Anemia Prevention

Iron deficiency is a common cause of anemia. Eating foods rich in iron can help prevent it. A balanced diet with various iron-rich foods can lower anemia risk.

Animal-Based Iron Sources

Animal-based iron sources are better absorbed by the body than plant-based ones. These include:

Red Meat: Beef, lamb, and pork are excellent sources of iron.
Poultry: Chicken and turkey contain significant amounts of iron.
Fish and Seafood: Certain fish and seafood like clams, sardines, and anchovies are rich in iron.

Food	Iron Content per Serving
Clams	28 mg per 3 oz serving
Beef Liver	5 mg per 3 oz serving
Turkey	2 mg per 3 oz serving

Plant-Based Iron Sources

Plant-based iron sources are important for a balanced diet. They include:

Legumes: Lentils, chickpeas, and black beans are rich in iron.
Leafy Greens: Spinach, kale, and collard greens contain significant amounts of iron.
Nuts and Seeds: Pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds are good sources of iron.

Foods That Enhance Iron Absorption

Certain foods can help your body absorb iron better. These include:

Vitamin C-Rich Foods: Oranges, bell peppers, and tomatoes can enhance non-heme iron absorption.
Other Foods: Cooking in cast-iron cookware can also increase iron intake.

“Vitamin C can enhance the absorption of non-heme iron; so, eating foods high in vitamin C (like citrus fruits or bell peppers) with iron-rich plant-based foods is beneficial.”

— Journal of Nutrition

Foods to Avoid That Inhibit Iron Absorption

Some foods can lower iron absorption and should be limited or avoided with iron-rich foods. These include:

Caffeine: Coffee and tea can reduce iron absorption.
Calcium-Rich Foods: Milk and dairy products can inhibit non-heme iron absorption.
Phytates: Found in whole grains and legumes, phytates can reduce iron absorption.

Knowing which foods are rich in iron and how to improve or block its absorption helps make better dietary choices. This can prevent anemia.

Complications of Untreated Anemia

Anemia left untreated can cause many health problems. These problems can affect different parts of a person’s life. We will look at these issues, dividing them into short-term and long-term effects. We will also talk about how they impact quality of life and development.

Short-Term Complications

Untreated anemia can cause problems that affect daily life and health. Some of these issues include:

Fatigue and Weakness: Feeling extremely tired and weak can make it hard to do daily tasks and work.
Dizziness and Lightheadedness: Not enough blood flow and oxygen to the brain can cause dizziness. This can lead to falls.
Shortness of Breath: Not enough red blood cells can mean not enough oxygen. This can cause shortness of breath even when resting.

Long-Term Health Risks

Untreated anemia can lead to serious health problems that last a long time. These risks include:

Heart Problems: Anemia can make the heart work too hard. This can lead to heart failure or other heart issues.
Poor Pregnancy Outcomes: Anemia during pregnancy can cause preterm labor, low birth weight, and other problems for the mother and baby.
Impaired Cognitive Function: Long-term anemia can affect brain development in children and brain function in adults.

Impact on Quality of Life and Development

Untreated anemia can greatly affect a person’s life. It can impact physical abilities, mental health, and social interactions. In children, it can slow down growth and development, both physically and mentally.

Complication	Short-Term Effects	Long-Term Effects
Fatigue and Weakness	Reduced productivity, increased risk of falls	Chronic tiredness, decreased stamina
Heart Problems	Increased heart rate, palpitations	Heart failure, cardiovascular disease
Pregnancy Complications	Preterm labor, low birth weight	Increased risk of maternal and fetal mortality

Understanding the complications of untreated anemia helps people seek medical help early. This can reduce risks and improve their quality of life.

Conclusion: Managing and Living with Anemia

Managing anemia well needs a mix of medical care and lifestyle changes. With the right treatment, people with anemia can feel better and live better lives.

Living with anemia means paying attention to what you eat. Make sure you get enough iron and other important nutrients. Eating foods high in iron, like red meat, spinach, and fortified cereals, helps a lot.

Knowing about anemia’s causes, symptoms, and treatments helps a lot. Regular doctor visits and sticking to treatment plans are key to managing anemia.

If symptoms don’t get better or get worse, see a doctor right away. Working with your healthcare team and making smart lifestyle choices helps you manage anemia well. This way, you can enjoy an active and happy life.

FAQ

What are the common symptoms of anemia?

Symptoms of anemia include extreme fatigue and muscle weakness. You might also feel dizzy, have headaches, or poor concentration. Irritability and shortness of breath are common too. Rapid heartbeat, heart palpitations, and chest pain can also occur.

Pallor, cold hands and feet, and jaundice in hemolytic anemia are signs as well.

What is iron-deficiency anemia, and how is it treated?

Iron-deficiency anemia happens when you don’t have enough iron. It’s treated with iron supplements and eating more iron-rich foods. Foods like red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals help.

What are the risk factors for developing anemia?

Risk factors include age, gender, diet, and certain diseases. Women, and those with heavy periods, are at higher risk. So are people with chronic diseases like kidney disease or rheumatoid arthritis.

How is anemia diagnosed?

Doctors use blood tests to diagnose anemia. These include a complete blood count (CBC) and a ferritin level test. These tests check red blood cells, hemoglobin, and iron levels.

What are the complications of untreated anemia?

Untreated anemia can cause fatigue and weakness. It can also lead to heart problems and poor pregnancy outcomes. It affects cognitive function and quality of life, mainly in children.

Can anemia be prevented?

Yes, anemia can be prevented. Eat a diet rich in iron and essential nutrients. Avoid foods that block iron absorption. Manage any underlying conditions. Regular health check-ups can also help catch anemia early.

What are the treatment options for different types of anemia?

Treatment varies by type and cause. Iron supplements and diet changes help with iron-deficiency anemia. Vitamin supplements treat vitamin deficiency anemias. For anemia of chronic disease, erythropoiesis-stimulating agents might be needed. In severe cases, blood transfusions are required.

How can I manage anemia and improve my overall health?

To manage anemia, make lifestyle changes. Eat a balanced diet and stay hydrated. Avoid substances that worsen anemia. Regular health check-ups and following treatment plans improve health.

What foods are high in iron and can help combat anemia?

Foods high in iron include red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, and fortified cereals. Vitamin C-rich foods like citrus fruits and bell peppers help iron absorption.

Can restless legs syndrome be a symptom of anemia?

Yes, restless legs syndrome can be a symptom of anemia, often iron-deficiency anemia. Treating the anemia can help reduce restless legs syndrome symptoms.