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Iron Deficiency Anaemia

 

Question 1. What is iron deficiency anaemia?

 

Iron is required for replenishing adequate level of haemoglobin in blood. Haemoglobin is the protein in blood cells that carries oxygen to body tissues. Lack of iron causes low haemoglobin level or anaemia (iron deficiency anaemia).

 

Question 2. How does it occur?

Iron deficiency anaemia can happen if you do not have enough iron in your diet. Iron is a mineral that is important to all body cells. It is particularly important for blood cells because iron is needed to make haemoglobin. Iron is also needed to help certain chemical processes in the body.

 

Low iron is most common amongst:

Children

Menstruating females

Pregnancy

Elderly

Individuals on poor diet

Cancer patients

Causes are:

Not having enough iron in your diet (children/malnutrition)

o Poor absorption of iron in gut. (Diseased intestines, worm infections)

o Loss of iron from body (blood loss)-for example due to an injury or menstruation, or you can lose small amounts often from a hidden source of bleeding within your body).

o Inadequate iron during high demand states. I.e. Women of childbearing age need twice as much iron in their diet as older women because they lose blood during menstruation. Pregnant women need extra iron for the development of the baby. Iron supplements are therefore often prescribed during pregnancy.

 

Question 3. What are the symptoms?

All persons at risk of developing iron deficiency (pregnancy, menstruating girls) should have their iron levels checked. In early iron deficiency, you will not have any symptoms. In advanced cases, symptoms include:

tiredness and lack of energy

headaches

sore mouth or tongue

brittle nails

shortness of breath

pale skin, gums, and nail beds

Pain in the chest.

Pounding heart rate (palpitation)

Poor appetite

Dizzy or fainting episodes

Excessive menstrual

 

Question 4. How is it diagnosed?

 

Iron deficiency is detected by checking iron status of your blood. In early low iron state, blood test is the only way to confirm deficiency as symptoms are often absent. Iron studies can also pickup iron overload as too much iron is also dangerous for your body. Various iron parameters such as iron saturation, transferring and iron-binding capacity are all measured to determine your iron status.

 

Question 5. How is it treated?

Iron supplements can be prescribed that will build up your body stores of iron. However, you will need to change your eating habits to be sure of a well-balanced diet in the future. Your healthcare provider may refer you to a nutritionist for dietary advice. If you have a bleeding problem, you will need special treatment.

Meat, fish, and poultry are excellent sources of dietary iron. It is also present in liver, eggs, green leaf vegetables, nuts, peas, beans, and whole-grain bread. A well-balanced diet contains enough iron for your daily needs.

Iron tablets may have side effects such as abdominal cramps; nausea; constipation; and dark stools. To lessen side effects, your healthcare provider will start you on a low dose of iron and slowly increase your dose to the necessary amount. He or she may suggest that you take vitamin C with the iron pills to help your body absorb the iron. Taking the iron at mealtimes can help prevent stomach and intestinal upset.

Do not take antacids and do not eat or drink any dairy products at the same time you take the iron pills. Antacids and dairy products prevent the body from absorbing iron.

Only rarely are iron shots needed.

Question 6. How long will the effects last?

The symptoms will respond quickly to treatment and improve in just a few days.

Question 7. How can I take care of myself?

Follow your healthcare provider's or nutritionist's advice for treating iron deficiency anaemia. Eat a well-balanced, varied diet. Eat regularly at least 3 times each day. See your healthcare provider if you feel tired all the time or notice any of the other symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.

Question 8. How can I help prevent iron deficiency anaemia?

Eating foods rich in iron and/or taking an iron supplement will help to prevent a recurrence.