DEFINITION
What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Anemia or Iron Deficiency Anemia is a condition in which a lack of iron causes a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to body tissues.
How Common Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Children and women are the most commonly affected by anemia.
Anemia due to iron deficiency is a common but easily treatable disease. This occurs when your body doesn't have enough iron, which is an important part of red blood cells. Without iron, the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively. Your body gets iron from food. It also reuses iron from old red blood cells.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
The symptoms of anemia are:
- Fatigue and lack of energy
- Hard to breathe
- Pale skin
Lack of iron for a long time can cause other symptoms such as sore mouth, trouble swallowing, or soft, curly nails.
When anemia gets worse, symptoms may include a desire to eat ice or something else that isn't food, such as soil.
There may be some signs or symptoms not listed. If you have any concerns regarding symptoms, please consult your doctor.
When Should I See A Doctor?
If you have the above signs or symptoms or have any questions, you should contact your doctor. You should not diagnose and treat anemia at home. You should see a doctor instead of taking supplements on your own. Too much iron can make the liver hot and can cause other fatal complications.
REASONS
What Causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?
When red blood cells burst, the iron content in the cells is reused to make new blood cells. Anemia due to iron deficiency can occur when your body loses a lot of blood cells and iron can't be replaced. Other causes could be because our bodies do not work properly to absorb iron, or eat less foods that contain iron.
Blood deficiency
If you are deficient in blood, you lose some iron. When your body doesn't provide enough iron to make new blood cells, anemia can get worse.
For women, long and heavy menstruation causes the risk of anemia due to iron deficiency due to blood loss during menstruation. Gastrointestinal bleeding can reduce the level of iron in your blood. These types of blood deficiency are difficult to detect and the process is long.
Gastrointestinal blood loss, hiatal hernia, colon polyps, or colorectal Cancer
Taking too many painkillers, especially aspirin
Severe blood loss due to injury or surgery
Lack of foods that contain iron
Foods that are high in iron, such as meat and eggs, are the best sources of iron. In addition, green leafy vegetables and foods made from wheat and nuts are also available. If you are vegetarian or vegan, you should take iron supplements.
Babies and children need foods that are high in iron for their growth and development.
Inability to absorb iron
Even when you eat foods rich in iron, there is a chance that your body won't be able to absorb it. Medications to reduce stomach acid can affect your body's iron.
Surgery to remove part of your intestines can reduce your ability to absorb iron and other nutrients. It can also be a symptom of other diseases such as celiac or Crohn's disease.
RISK FACTORS
What Increases My Risk For Iron Deficiency Anemia?
There are many risk factors for anemia due to iron deficiency, such as:
- Gender: Women are more likely to develop anemia due to iron deficiency due to menstruation
- Age: Infants and children are more likely to develop anemia if they don't get enough iron from milk. Adolescents may develop anemia if their bodies do not provide iron for growth
- People who are vegetarian and have a poor diet are more likely to get the disorder
- Regular blood donation can lower iron
TREATMENT
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What Are My Treatment Options For Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Treatment depends on how severe the anemia is. Usually people need additional iron from drugs or fluids. Iron is taken at least once every 3-6 months.
If iron supplements don't help, you may have a bleeding source or an iron absorption problem. Treatment to treat the cause is:
- Antibiotics and other drugs to treat peptic ulcers
- Surgery to remove bleeding polyps, tumors, or fibroids
- Severe anemia may require blood transfusion
What Are The Usual Tests For Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Tests for anemia caused by iron deficiency include:
- Check the size and color of red blood cells. Red blood cells are smaller and paler than normal
- Hematocrit. This test is to measure the content of red blood cells in the blood. Normal levels are between 34.9 and 33.5 percent for adult women and 38.8-50 percent for adult men. This figure may change depending on age
- Hemoglobin. If you have a low hemoglobin level, you may develop anemia. The normal hemoglobin range is generally 13.5-17.5 grams (g) of hemoglobin per deciliter (dL) of blood for men and 12.0-15.5 g/dL for women. This figure may change depending on gender and age
- Ferritin. Iron is stored in ferritin, a type of protein in your body. A low ferritin level means you have lower iron levels than normal people
HOME REMEDIES
What Are Some Lifestyle Changes Or Home Remedies That Can Be Done To Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia?
The following lifestyle and home remedies can help you deal with iron deficiency anemia:
- Follow your doctor's instructions
- Follow the doctor's prescription, do not use other drugs or supplements outside your doctor's prescription
- Use iron supplements as prescribed
- Take a multivitamin if you are pregnant and continue if you are breastfeeding
- Build a balanced diet with iron-rich foods such as meat, legumes, and vegetables
If you have any questions, consult a doctor for the best solution for your problem.