Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia caused by low iron intake, inefficient iron absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, or chronic blood loss.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following features are indicative of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • weakness or tiredness
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • coldness in the hands and feet
  • pale skin
  • chest pain
  • intermittent claudication of the legs
  • symptoms of heart failure
  • palpitations
It is possible that Iron Deficiency Anemia shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following are the most common causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • blood loss
  • increased red blood cell destruction
  • hypervolemia
  • impaired red blood cell production

Risk Factors for Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • low iron diet
  • blood loss from an injury or surgery
  • serious illnesses
  • family history of inherited anemia
  • long-term infections

Prevention of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Iron Deficiency Anemia. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • eat balanced diet rich in iron or iron supplementation

Occurrence of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Iron Deficiency Anemia cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Iron Deficiency Anemia can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Iron Deficiency Anemia can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • Complete blood count: To count the total number of blood cells
  • Red blood cell size test: To examine the size of red blood cells

Doctor for Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • Pediatricians
  • Family doctors
  • Gynecologists
  • Obstetricians
  • Internal medicine specialists
  • Hematologist
  • Gastroenterologist

Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia if untreated

Yes, Iron Deficiency Anemia causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Iron Deficiency Anemia is left untreated:
  • severe fatigue
  • pregnancy complications
  • heart problems
  • can be fatal

Procedures for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following procedures are used to treat Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • Blood Transfusion: Blood is given to the patient through an intravenous (IV) line in one of patient's blood vessels
  • Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant: Replaces patient's faulty stem cells with healthy ones from a donor
  • Surgery: If you have life-threatening or serious bleeding that causes anemia

Self-care for Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • Eat a vitamin-rich diet: Take a diet that includes a number of vitamins and nutrients
  • Genetic counseling: Talk to a genetic counselor about the risks and pass on of the risks to children
  • Prevent malaria: Reduce exposure to mosquitoes

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Iron Deficiency Anemia:
  • Dietary Changes and Supplements: Change diet and take vitamin or iron supplements
  • Iron: Take iron from meats, vegetables or other foods

Time for Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Iron Deficiency Anemia to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 3 - 6 months

Related Topics

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Iron Deficiency Anemia.

Related Topics

Iron-deficiency Anaemia

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