Loss of voice means different things to different people. I will answer your question as if you mean voice weakness, decreased volume or whispering, rather than inability to express certain words or hoarseness with normal voice volume.

Symptoms and signs of anemia are due to decreased oxygen delivery to tissue, mostly muscle tissue. A weakened voice, or decreased volume, is not a commonly listed sign or symptom of anemia. That said, it is conceivable that your loss of voice is related to your severe anemia. If the muscles controlling your larynx (voice box) are sufficiently weakened by the decreased oxygen supply, loss of voice (whispering, decreased volume) could result.

It would be better to closely follow your hemoglobin or hematocrit levels to avoid severe anemia thereby assuring you will always be certain to have the last word!

Dr. Richard Goldman is a retired nephrologist from Albuquerque, NM. He serves on the AAKP Board of Directors, AAKP Medical Advisory Board, ESRD Network #15 Board of Directors and is active in the Renal Physicians Association. He is President of the Forum of ESRD Networks.

This article originally appeared in the May 2008 issue of aakpRENALIFE.

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