Which symptom is commonly associated with anemia?

Which symptom is commonly associated with anemia?

• A. Fatigue and weakness
• B. Shortness of breath with activity
• C. Headache
• D. Nausea

Answer: (B)

Anemia reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues. When you exert yourself, your tissues need more oxygen, and the deficit becomes noticeable as shortness of breath with activity. This symptom directly reflects impaired oxygen delivery during increased demand, making it a hallmark sign of anemia. Fatigue and weakness are common too, but they’re nonspecific and can occur with many conditions. Headache can occur from hypoxia but is less consistently tied to exertional activity, and nausea is not a typical feature of anemia.

Anemia reduces the blood’s ability to carry oxygen to tissues. When you exert yourself, your tissues need more oxygen, and the deficit becomes noticeable as shortness of breath with activity. This symptom directly reflects impaired oxygen delivery during increased demand, making it a hallmark sign of anemia. Fatigue and weakness are common too, but they’re nonspecific and can occur with many conditions. Headache can occur from hypoxia but is less consistently tied to exertional activity, and nausea is not a typical feature of anemia.