Anemia can be caused by a number of different factors, including not getting enough iron. Iron can be difficult to absorb in some people due to conditions such as Helicobacter pylori infection or gastrointestinal disorders.
If you have iron deficiency anemia, you have many options for treatment. Learn about the symptoms of this disease, how to diagnose it, and how to prevent it. A healthy diet with plenty of iron is essential for preventing anemia.
Many foods contain sufficient amounts of iron, including red meat, eggs, liver, and some cereals. Iron supplements can also be prescribed. However, if you do not take the appropriate steps to correct this condition, it may lead to anemia.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
A lack of iron can cause anemia, so the first step is to make sure you are getting adequate iron-rich foods. There are many foods high in iron, including spinach, lentils, tofu, and various types of meat.
Some people, however, have trouble absorbing iron from their food. This is because they may have other health conditions or are on medications that inhibit iron absorption. For instance, H2 receptor blockers are known to make it harder for your body to absorb iron.
FamilyDoctor advises that you should be aware that certain foods can hinder the absorption of iron by your body. These foods include coffee, tea, milk, egg whites, fibers, and soy products.
People suffering from anemia may have headaches, heart palpitations, and other symptoms. These are signs that your heart is deprived of oxygen. Because the body lacks hemoglobin, it has to circulate blood at a higher rate. Shortness of breath can also be a symptom of iron deficiency.
For easy reading, here is a list of signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia:
- Extreme fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Pale skin.
- Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
- Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Cold hands and feet.
- Inflammation or soreness of your tongue.
- Brittle nails.
- Tiredness and lethargy.
These symptoms may appear gradually and may be mild or severe. If you suspect that you have anemia, it is important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible.
What Are the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a serious condition that can cause many symptoms. The condition is often treated through a transfusion of red blood cells.
People with a severe case may experience a number of complications, including growths and an increased risk of infection.
It can also affect a person’s fertility and cause problems during pregnancy, such as preterm delivery or low birth weight. People with anemia may also develop problems with their heart, which can lead to cardiac problems.
The condition can also cause developmental delays in children. In most cases, iron deficiency anemia is caused by:
- Loss of blood. Red blood cells contain iron.
- Lack of iron in your diet. Your body regularly obtains iron from food.
- Having difficulty absorbing iron from food. This occurs in the small intestine.
- Pregnancy: Pregnant women often suffer from iron deficiency anemia since their iron stores have to serve both their increased blood volume and the growing baby.
Diagnosis for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia is the first step toward effective treatment. This condition limits the production of healthy red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Reduced red blood cells result in fatigue, dizziness, and pallor. Iron deficiency anemia has numerous causes, including diet, age, and certain diseases.
CDC recommendations for iron deficiency anemia screening include recommending an iron supplement for pregnant women and high-risk infants.
The CDC recommends universal iron supplementation for women of childbearing age. The CDC also provides guidelines for prenatal care. A woman with a history of anemia should be checked regularly for iron deficiencies.
A complete blood count can determine whether a person has an iron deficiency anemia. A peripheral blood smear is another important test.
This test can determine the size of the red blood cells, which is often a sign of anemia. Another blood test can measure serum ferritin, which measures the amount of iron in the blood.
Treatment Options for Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that causes low red blood cell production and reticulocyte count. The doctor may order several tests to diagnose the condition. These tests may include a pelvic ultrasound, which can detect uterine fibroids or bleeding in the lower intestines.
Anemia can be a life-threatening condition, and if left untreated, it can cause heart failure and an irregular heartbeat. Those with this condition also tend to be more susceptible to infections. Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include a rapid or irregular heartbeat, an enlarged heart, and other symptoms.
Iron deficiency anemia treatment may involve supplementing your diet with foods high in iron. You should also consume plenty of vitamin C and vitamin B-12. You may also be prescribed medication to help the body absorb iron.
Your doctor may recommend the following steps to improve the chances that your body will absorb iron from tablets:
- Iron tablets should be taken on an empty stomach. If possible, take them when you are hungry.
- You shouldn’t take iron with antacids. Medications that have an immediate effect on heartburn may interfere with iron absorption.
- Take iron tablets with vitamin C to improve iron absorption.
For more serious cases, intravenous iron treatment is an option.
Iron infusion therapy may be administered in a clinic or doctor’s office. Most patients experience minimal side effects with IV iron therapy.
Infusions may take one or several sessions to restore iron levels. These treatments are most effective for patients with severe cases of iron deficiency anemia.
However, some patients may experience nausea or headaches after IV iron treatments. However, these side effects usually resolve within a day or two.
Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Prevention of iron deficiency anemia is an important public health issue. Although there is no single method for preventing this disease, there are several recommended practices.
The Institute of Medicine, the American Academy of Pediatrics, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force, and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have published guidelines that may help in identifying the risks of iron deficiency anemia and implementing preventive measures.
Preventing iron deficiency anemia is particularly important in children and infants. The development of children with anemia can be stunted, leading to problems with social interaction and motor skills.
In some children, the condition may persist until school age. In addition, a low birthweight infant is at risk of developing anemia.
In a recent study, more than one-third of black women had an Hb concentration below 12 g/dL, compared to 5% in white women. Despite these findings, health-care providers should not rely on the prevalence of anemia for prevention purposes.
Rather, they should use other methods of determining the iron status of black patients. By choosing iron-rich foods, you can reduce your risk of iron deficiency anemia.
Ironi-Rich Foods Include
- Red meat, pork and poultry.
- Seafood.
- Beans.
- Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach.
- Dried fruit, such as raisins and apricots.
- Iron-fortified cereals, breads and pastas
- Peas.
