Dizziness & Anemia

Anemia presents in a number of different forms with different symptoms. One symptom common to most types of anemia is dizziness. A patient with a diagnosis of anemia will note that dizziness began with the onset of the other anemia symptoms. Some forms of anemia make up a group of blood disorders that lack essential elements in the blood such as oxygen, iron and vitamins. Other types, like sickle cell anemia, result from the body manufacturing unusual-shaped blood cells that have trouble flowing through the blood vessels.

A woman is experiencing dizziness. (Image: Taku_S/iStock/Getty Images)

Definitions

Dizziness makes a person feel off balance or lightheaded. This lightheaded feeling can be brought on by anemia. Dizziness differs from vertigo, in that vertigo creates the sensation that the room spins around while the person remains still. This "spinning room" feeling has no relation to anemia. Instead, according to MedlinePlus, it has its roots in such conditions as labryrinthitis, Meniere's disease and benign positional vertigo.

Significance

Anemia can strike an otherwise healthy person. Anyone who suffers an excessive loss of blood, like an accident victim or a postpartum woman, develops an acute case of anemia which often corrects itself or responds to therapy soon after the event. Chronic anemia sufferers experience ongoing fatigue, weakness and dizziness. These anemia types evolve from chronic illness, iron deficiency, other nutrient deficiencies, poor nutrient absorption, alcoholism, chemotherapy and other drug treatments, says "Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment."

Cause of Dizziness

Hemoglobin, a component of the red blood cells, carries oxygen and delivers the oxygen to the body tissues. The Merck Manual Home Edition explains that when the level of hemoglobin drops or stays consistently low, the body gets deprived of oxygen, causing physical symptoms. Dizziness stems from the brain's shortage of oxygen or can stem from low blood pressure resulting from poor oxygenation of the heart muscle and blood vessels.

Treatment

Dizziness caused by anemia is treated indirectly. A physician will address the underlying cause of the anemia after evaluation and blood tests. If the anemia comes from an iron deficiency, iron therapy with oral iron tablets can correct it. This type of therapy also works for other blood deficiencies. Drugs that stimulate production of red blood cells can help chemotherapy patients. When the anemia is controlled, the dizziness and other symptoms of anemia improve.

Warning

Dizziness caused by anemia should receive prompt medical care. Excessive dizziness can cause patients to suffer injuries from falls or other accidents. A medical workup is required to accurately diagnose the cause of dizziness and treat the underlying condition. Long-term effects of untreated anemia can be devastating, including heart attack, organ damage or even death, says the University of Illinois Medical Center.