Anemia can certainly make you tired and, if it is severe, can even cause you to pass out. Anemia is a low red blood cell count; the red blood cells carry oxygen to your tissues. When you red blood count is low your muscles and organs in your body may suffer from inadequate oxygen supply. Anemia that comes on suddenly is more likely to cause light-headedness than chronic anemia because the body and brain have not had an opportunity to adapt to changes in oxygen carrying capacity of the blood.
There are many possible causes of anemia, including blood loss, poor diet, hereditary conditions and sometimes other more serious disorders of the blood. Sometimes anemia is a symptom of a more generalized condition.
Many kinds of anemia are treatable. For example, iron deficiency anemia, caused by inadequate dietary intake of iron, will respond to iron (ferrous sulfate) pills. Laboratory tests should help to pinpoint the exact cause of your anemia and may suggest whether your vomiting and fatigue have a separate cause. Treatment can then be tailored to your particular problem. With proper treatment it is likely that your stamina will increase. We strongly urge you to consult your doctor to get more information about what is causing your anemia and your vomiting and fatigue and to get your questions answered.
You're not alone. Take a look at a few of the questions related to this topic that other teens have asked us.
If I am anemic, what procedures will the doctor have to do to be certain?
I have no energy even though I eat well and get enough sleep. What could be wrong?
I seem to be tired a lot. I don't do drugs or drink alcohol. What could it be?
For more information, check out this article:
The Tired Teenager
Posted 5-13-05
