Iron deficiency anemia is the most common cause of all types of anemia. It occurs when the body lacks iron, which is a key component in the production of red blood cells. This deficiency results in reduced production of red blood cells and smaller-sized red blood cells, which in turn decreases the ability of blood to carry oxygen to various parts of the body.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
Individuals with anemia may experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath during physical activity, fainting, dizziness, drowsiness, rapid heartbeat, palpitations, chest pain, brittle nails, hair loss, dry skin, and paleness. However, in some patients, the body may adapt to the condition and they may not feel any unusual symptoms. This is one of the reasons why some individuals only discover they have anemia during routine health check-ups despite not experiencing any noticeable signs.
Iron deficiency anemia
The causes of iron deficiency anemia are often due to chronic blood loss, particularly from menstruation or gastrointestinal bleeding. It may also be caused by consuming a diet low in iron. Iron-rich foods include organ meats, pork, beef, egg yolks, shellfish, leafy green vegetables, and legumes.
What tests are needed to determine if you have anemia?
- A complete blood count (CBC) test can detect anemia along with identifying small red blood cell size.
- A combination of tests including Serum Iron, Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC), Transferrin Saturation, and Ferritin are used to determine whether the body’s iron levels are below normal.
- A gynecological examination in female patients with abnormally heavy menstruation may be necessary, as this could be the underlying cause of iron deficiency leading to anemia.
- For chronic gastrointestinal bleeding, especially in men and postmenopausal women, stool tests for blood should be performed, and in some cases, gastrointestinal endoscopy may be required to evaluate the risk of colorectal cancer.
Treatment for anemia
1. Taking iron supplements. In general, doctors recommend continued use for at least 3–6 months.
2. Iron injections are typically used in patients who do not respond to oral supplements or in cases where rapid improvement in hemoglobin is needed.
3. Blood transfusions are considered only when a quick increase in blood concentration is required.
4. The underlying cause of iron deficiency should be identified and treated.
5. A balanced diet should be maintained, with emphasis on iron-rich foods.
6. Patients should attend follow-up appointments regularly to monitor their condition and prevent recurrence.
In patients with anemia who have not yet received a clear diagnosis of the cause, it is not recommended to self-medicate with iron supplements. For example, patients with thalassemia, who also experience anemia, are at risk of iron overload in the body. It is therefore advisable to determine the exact cause before beginning any medication and to choose the most appropriate treatment based on the underlying condition.
