Skip to main content

Iron deficiency anaemia: what you need to know

 

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where your body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This can make you feel tired, weak, pale and short of breath. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and it can affect anyone, but some groups are more at risk than others.

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is caused by a lack of iron in your body. Iron is an essential mineral that helps your body make haemoglobin, a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. You can get iron from the food you eat, such as meat, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fortified cereals. However, sometimes you may not get enough iron from your diet or you may lose iron due to:

  • Heavy menstrual bleeding
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding
  • Peptic ulcers or other sources of internal bleeding
  • Inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease
  • Parasitic infections such as hookworm
  • Certain medications that reduce stomach acid or interfere with iron absorption

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia 

Common symptoms include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • pale skin
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • cold hands and feet
  • headaches
  • brittle nails
  • Individuals may also experience an increased heart rate, restless legs, and difficulty concentrating. 

If you notice these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia

If you have symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, such as fatigue, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath, you should see your doctor for a blood test. A blood test can measure the level of haemoglobin and the size and number of your red blood cells. It can also check the level of iron and ferritin (a protein that stores iron) in your blood. These tests can help confirm if you have iron deficiency anemia and how severe it is.

Your doctor may also order some tests to find out the cause of your iron deficiency anemia, such as:

  • A stool test to check for blood or parasites in your stool
  • An endoscopy or colonoscopy to examine your digestive tract for ulcers or inflammation
  • A pelvic ultrasound to look for fibroids or other problems in your uterus
  • A bone marrow biopsy to rule out other types of anemia

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

The main treatment for iron deficiency anemia is to increase the amount of iron in your body. This can be done by:

  • Eating more iron-rich foods, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, beans, nuts, seeds and fortified cereals
  • Eating foods high in vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, broccoli and peppers, to help your body absorb more iron from plant sources
  • Taking iron supplements as prescribed by your doctor. You should take them with water or juice on an empty stomach or with a small amount of food if they cause stomach upset. You should avoid taking them with tea, coffee, milk or dairy products as they can reduce iron absorption.
  • Having intravenous (IV) iron therapy if you have severe iron deficiency anaemia or if you cannot tolerate oral iron supplements. This involves getting iron through a vein in your arm.

The duration of treatment depends on how low your iron level is and how well you respond to the treatment. Your doctor will monitor your blood tests and adjust your dose accordingly. You may need to continue taking iron supplements for several months after your hemoglobin level returns to normal to replenish your iron stores.

Complications of iron deficiency anemia

If left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can lead to serious health problems, such as:

  • Heart problems. Low haemoglobin levels can make your heart work harder to pump oxygen-rich blood around your body. This can cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia), an enlarged heart (cardiomegaly) or heart failure.
  • Pregnancy complications. Iron deficiency anaemia can increase the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight, postpartum haemorrhage and maternal mortality.
  • Growth and development problems. Iron deficiency anaemia can affect the growth and development of children and adolescents. It can impair their cognitive function, behaviour, learning ability and immune system.
  • Increased susceptibility to infections. Iron deficiency anemia can weaken your immune system and make you more prone to infections.

Prevention of iron deficiency anemia

You can prevent iron deficiency anemia by eating a balanced diet that includes enough iron-rich foods. You should also avoid foods and drinks that can interfere with iron absorption, such as tea, coffee, milk and dairy products. If you are at risk of iron deficiency anemia due to heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy or other causes, you should talk to your doctor about taking iron supplements or other preventive measures.

Iron deficiency anemia is a common and treatable condition that can affect your quality of life. If you have any symptoms or risk factors for iron deficiency anemia, you should see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment. By increasing your iron intake and addressing the underlying cause of your iron deficiency, you can improve your haemoglobin level and your overall health.



 

Comments

Popular Posts

Heavy Pelvis Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Heavy Pelvis Syndrome (HPS) is a medical condition that may sound unfamiliar to many, but it can significantly impact a person's quality of life. It involves the sensation of heaviness or discomfort in the pelvic region, often associated with pelvic organ prolapse or other underlying conditions. In this blog post, we’ll explore what Heavy Pelvis Syndrome is, its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and the available treatment options.   What is Heavy Pelvis Syndrome (HPS)? Heavy Pelvis Syndrome refers to a sensation of weight or pressure in the pelvic area that can be caused by several conditions. While it’s not a formally recognized term in all medical texts, it is commonly used to describe the symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) and other pelvic disorders. In individuals with HPS, the muscles, ligaments, or organs in the pelvis are affected, causing an uncomfortable feeling of heaviness or pressure.   Causes of Heavy Pelvis Syndrome Heavy Pelvis Syndrome can result from various ...

16 Things You Should Know About Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It is characterized by loose, watery stools that occur more than three times a day. Diarrhea can have various causes, such as infections, food intolerance, medications, stress, or chronic diseases.  Here are 16 things you should know about diarrhea and how to deal with it. 1. Diarrhea can be acute or chronic . Acute diarrhea lasts for a few days and usually resolves on its own. Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than four weeks and may indicate an underlying condition that needs medical attention. 2. Diarrhea can cause dehydration , which is a serious complication that can lead to low blood pressure, dizziness, confusion, kidney failure, or even death. To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids, such as oral rehydration solutions, broth, or juice. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks, as they can worsen diarrhea. 3. Diarrhea can also cause electrolyte imbalance , which is a disruption in the...

Hypothyroidism Explained: What You Need to Know About Its Impact on Health

Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a common endocrine disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. This condition occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones, leading to a slowdown in the body's metabolism. Since the thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, hypothyroidism can significantly impact an individual's health and well-being. This article explores the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of hypothyroidism to help readers better understand and manage this condition. What Causes Hypothyroidism? Several factors can contribute to the development of hypothyroidism, including:      1. Autoimmune Diseases – The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to decreased hormone production.      2. Iodine Deficiency – Iodine is essential for...

Sore Throats: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions

  A sore throat is a common condition that affects many people at some point in their lives. It can cause pain, scratchiness, or irritation in the throat that may worsen when swallowing or talking. A sore throat can also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, sneezing, body aches, headache, nausea, or vomiting.   Causes of Sore Throat There are many possible causes of a sore throat, but the most frequent one is a viral infection, such as a cold or the flu. Other viral infections that can cause a sore throat include mono (mononucleosis), measles, chickenpox, croup, and COVID-19. Viral infections usually resolve on their own within a week or two, and do not require antibiotics. However, some sore throats are caused by bacterial infections, which may need treatment with antibiotics to prevent complications. The most common bacterial infection that causes a sore throat is strep throat (streptococcal infection), which can lead to serious problems such a...

Measles: A Comprehensive Guide to Symptoms and Prevention

    Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that affects the respiratory tract and the skin. It can cause serious complications and even death, especially in young children and people with weak immune systems. The best way to prevent measles is to get vaccinated with two doses of the measles vaccine. In this blog post, we will cover the following topics: What are the symptoms of measles and how is it diagnosed? How is measles diagnosed? What are the causes and risk factors of measles? What are the possible complications of measles? How is measles treated and managed? How can measles be prevented and controlled? What are the symptoms of measles and how is it diagnosed? The symptoms of measles usually appear 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. The first symptoms include: Fever Dry cough Runny nose Red or watery eyes Sore throat White spots inside the mouth  A few days later, a red, blotchy rash appears on the face and then spreads to the rest of the body. The ...

Microplastics and Health: The Hidden Danger We Can’t Ignore

Microplastics are everywhere. From the food we eat to the air we breathe, these tiny plastic particles have infiltrated almost every aspect of our environment. While much of the focus has been on their impact on the planet and wildlife, emerging research suggests that microplastics could also pose significant risks to human health. In this blog post, we will explore how microplastics affect human health, where they are found, and what we can do to minimize exposure. What Are Microplastics? Microplastics are small plastic particles measuring less than 5 millimeters in diameter. These particles can be either primary or secondary: Primary microplastics are manufactured to be small, such as those found in personal care products (like exfoliating scrubs), cleaning products, and synthetic textiles. Secondary microplastics are the result of the breakdown of larger plastic objects (such as bottles, bags, and fishing gear) into smaller particles over time due to weathering, sun exposure, and ...

What is Munchausen by Proxy?

  Munchausen by proxy, also known as factitious disorder imposed on another, is a psychological disorder in which a caregiver makes up or causes symptoms of illness or injury in another person, usually a child or a dependent adult. The caregiver does this to get attention, sympathy, or control from medical professionals or others. It is a form of abuse and can be very harmful to the victim. Munchausen by Proxy is also called as Munchausen Syndrome by Proxy. These are two different names for the same mental health disorder. The current official name is Factitious Disorder Imposed on Another (FDIA) Some of the signs and symptoms of Munchausen by proxy are: The caregiver reports medical problems that don't match the observations or tests of the doctors The caregiver has medical knowledge and may work in a health care setting The caregiver agrees to invasive procedures or treatments for the victim without hesitation The caregiver refuses to leave the victim's side during examinatio...

What to Do If Bird Flu is Detected in Raw Milk: A Safety Guide

  Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a serious viral infection that can pose risks to human health, particularly when it contaminates food products like raw milk. While bird flu primarily affects birds, its presence in raw milk raises critical concerns about food safety. In this blog, we’ll guide you on what to do if bird flu is detected in raw milk, ensuring you and your family stay protected. Can Bird Flu Spread Through Milk? Although bird flu is most commonly associated with poultry and eggs, the virus can contaminate raw milk if dairy animals are exposed to infected environments. Consuming unpasteurized milk with the virus can pose health risks, as the virus can survive in raw milk if not properly treated. Steps to Take If Bird Flu Is Detected in Raw Milk 1. Stop Consumption Immediately Do not consume any raw milk or dairy products derived from the contaminated batch. Bird flu viruses can cause serious illness when ingested. 2. Dispose of the Contaminated Milk Safely Pour the...

Health Declaration for Maldives: A Traveler's Guide

Understanding Maldives' Health Protocols Maldives, renowned for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, has implemented specific health measures to safeguard the well-being of both residents and visitors. One crucial aspect of these measures is the health declaration form that all incoming passengers are required to complete. What is a Health Declaration Form? A health declaration form is a document that collects essential health information from travelers before they enter a country. It serves as a tool to identify potential health risks and take appropriate preventive measures. Why is a Health Declaration Required for Maldives? Disease Prevention: The health declaration helps to monitor and prevent the spread of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. Contact Tracing: In case of a health emergency, the declaration form can assist in contact tracing, identifying individuals who may have been exposed to the disease. Public Health Safety: By collecting health information, the ...

Why is cancer so difficult to cure?

  Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases that affects millions of people around the world. Despite decades of research and billions of dollars spent, there is still no universal cure for cancer. Why is that? Before delving into why cancer is hard to cure, we should know that cancer is not a single disease. It is a name given to a collection of several dozens of different diseases that have different causes, characteristics and behaviors. Each cancer type has many subtypes that can vary in their genetic and molecular makeup, which means that they can respond differently to treatments. Even within the same tumor, there can be different cancer cells with different mutations that make them resistant to certain drugs or therapies. One reason why cancer is so difficult to cure is that it can spread from its original site to other parts of the body through a process called metastasis. This makes it harder to detect and treat, as some cancer cells may escape the primary tumor and t...