Iron deficiency anemia

 

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition caused by a lack of iron in the body. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. When there is not enough iron in the body, the production of hemoglobin is reduced, and the body cannot transport oxygen effectively, leading to anemia.

Iron deficiency anemia can occur due to a variety of reasons such as inadequate dietary intake of iron, blood loss (such as heavy menstrual bleeding or gastrointestinal bleeding), pregnancy, rapid growth during childhood, and chronic diseases that interfere with iron absorption or use. Vegetarians and vegans may be at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia due to the lower iron bioavailability in plant-based foods.

 

Causes of Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when the body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells that transports oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. There are several causes of iron deficiency anemia, including:

1.      Inadequate dietary intake of iron: Iron is found in a variety of foods, including red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, lentils, leafy green vegetables, and fortified cereals. However, some people may not consume enough iron-rich foods in their diet, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

2.      Blood loss: Blood loss can occur due to a variety of reasons, including heavy menstrual bleeding, gastrointestinal bleeding (such as ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or colon cancer), or blood donation. Blood loss leads to a decrease in the body's iron stores, leading to iron deficiency anemia.

3.      Pregnancy: During pregnancy, the body requires more iron to support the growth and development of the fetus. If the mother's iron intake is insufficient or if there is increased blood loss during delivery, iron deficiency anemia can occur.

4.      Rapid growth during childhood: Children require adequate iron intake to support their rapid growth and development. If their diet lacks iron, or if they have increased blood loss due to infections or injury, they may develop iron deficiency anemia.

5.      Chronic diseases: Certain medical conditions can interfere with the body's ability to absorb or use iron, leading to iron deficiency anemia. Examples of these conditions include inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease, chronic kidney disease, and heart failure.

6.      Vegetarian or vegan diet: Iron bioavailability is lower in plant-based foods than in animal-based foods. Vegetarians and vegans may be at a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia if they do not consume enough iron-rich plant-based foods or do not supplement their diet with iron.

Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemias

The signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemias can vary depending on the severity of the condition.

1.      Fatigue and weakness: Feeling tired and weak is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. This is because the body cannot transport oxygen efficiently to the cells and tissues, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and weakness.

2.      Pale skin: Iron deficiency anemias can cause a pale complexion, as there is a lack of red blood cells carrying oxygen to the skin's surface. The paleness may be most apparent in the face, lips, and inside the eyelids.

3.      Shortness of breath: As the body cannot transport oxygen efficiently, shortness of breath can occur, particularly during physical activity or exercise.

4.      Dizziness and lightheadedness: A lack of oxygen to the brain can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness.

5.      Headaches: Headaches can occur due to a lack of oxygen to the brain.

6.      Cold hands and feet: A lack of oxygen to the extremities can cause cold hands and feet.

7.      Brittle nails and hair loss: Iron deficiency can affect the health of nails and hair. Nails may become brittle, and hair may become thin or fall out.

8.      Chest pain: In severe cases, iron deficiency anemias can lead to chest pain, as the heart works harder to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body.

 

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia

Diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia involves a series of tests to determine the cause of the condition and the extent of iron deficiency.

·         Medical history and physical examination: The first step in diagnosing iron deficiency anemia is taking a medical history and performing a physical examination. Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any medications you are taking.

·         Complete blood count (CBC): A CBC measures the number and types of blood cells in the body, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. In cases of iron deficiency anemia, the CBC may show a decrease in the number of red blood cells and haemoglobin.

·         Serum ferritin: Ferritin is a protein that stores iron in the body. A low level of ferritin indicates a lack of iron in the body, which can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

·         Iron studies: Iron studies measure the levels of iron in the blood and how the body is using it. These tests may include serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation.

·         Stool test: A stool test may be done to check for gastrointestinal bleeding, which can cause iron deficiency anemia.

·         Endoscopy: In some cases, an endoscopy may be done to check for gastrointestinal bleeding or other conditions that may be causing iron deficiency anemia.

·         Bone marrow biopsy: A bone marrow biopsy may be done in rare cases to check for conditions that may affect the production of red blood cells.

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia involves addressing the underlying cause of the condition and increasing iron levels in the body.

1.      Iron supplements: Iron supplements are the most common treatment for iron deficiency anemia. They are available in oral and injectable forms and can increase iron levels in the body within a few weeks. It is essential to take iron supplements as directed by a healthcare professional to avoid side effects such as constipation, nausea, and abdominal pain.

2.      Dietary changes: A diet rich in iron can help prevent iron deficiency anemia. Foods such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, spinach, and iron-fortified cereals are good sources of iron. It is also important to consume vitamin C-rich foods such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell peppers, as vitamin C helps the body absorb iron.

3.      Treating underlying conditions: If the iron deficiency anemia is caused by an underlying medical condition such as a bleeding ulcer or heavy menstrual periods, treating that condition can help restore iron levels.

4.      Blood transfusions: In severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace lost blood cells and increase hemoglobin levels in the body.

5.      Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to remove a bleeding tumors or repair a gastrointestinal tract injury that is causing the iron deficiency.