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.

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