Understanding Anemia

Signs:

• Pale skin
• Swollen tongue
• Enlarged spleen
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails

Symptoms:

• Cravings for peculiar substances such as ice, starch, or dirt (pica)
• Extreme fatigue
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Fast heartbeat
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Irritability
• Poor appetite

• Low iron diet: Without sufficient iron-rich foods, there's a risk of developing IDA.
• Changes in the body: Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals, and adolescents experiencing growth spurts, require more iron for red blood cell production.
• Gastrointestinal tract problems: Certain gastrointestinal conditions hinder iron absorption, leading to IDA despite adequate dietary iron intake.
• Loss of blood: Rapid loss of blood from surgery, trauma, or childbirth, as well as chronic blood loss from conditions like hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal disorders, or heavy menstrual bleeding, can cause IDA. Regular use of certain medications like aspirin and ibuprofen can also contribute.

• Peptic Ulcers
• Gastritis
• Esophagitis
• Hemorrhoids
• Gastrointestinal diseases such as celiac disease (sprue)
• Inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis, or Crohn disease
• Intravascular hemolysis

The other groups at risk are:

• Infants with low birth weight and premature birth lack sufficient iron
• Young children who fail to get adequate iron from iron-rich foods or iron supplements are more prone to developing nutritional anaemia.
• Pregnant women may get iron deficiency anaemia due to increased blood volume, which is necessary for baby growth.
• Women with heavy periods lose more blood, leading to low iron levels in the body.
• Blood donors lack iron due to frequent blood donations.
• Vegetarians often suffer from iron deficiency as a result of dietary restrictions.

• Heart problems
• Depression
• Growth retardation in children
• Increased risk of infections
• Pregnancy complications

• Low haemoglobin (Hg) and hematocrit (Hct)
• Low mean cellular volume (MCV)
• Low serum iron (FE)
• Low ferritin
• Low iron saturation
• High transferrin or total iron-binding capacity (TIBC)

A peripheral blood smear test may show small, microcytic and hypochromic red blood cells in chronic iron deficiency anaemia. The white blood cell count (WBCs) may be low, and the platelet count may be high or low.

Additional iron deficiency tests include:

• Upper and lower endoscopy
• Faecal occult blood test
• Gynecologic evaluation in women
• Test for hematuria or hemoglobinuria

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Treatment varies from person to person based on the severity and causes of Anemia.

Blood loss from a gastrointestinal problem:

In the case of an ulcer, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications to treat the condition. The bleeding caused by a cancerous tumour or a polyp will need surgery to remove it.

Blood loss from heavy menstrual periods:

In case of mild anaemia due to iron malabsorption or lower iron levels, the doctor may recommend:

• In case of mild anaemia due to iron malabsorption or lower iron levels, the doctor may recommend.
• Iron tablets to build up iron levels as quickly as possible. Iron supplements are available in the form of tablets, capsules, chewable tablets, and liquids. Take iron pills only as per your doctor's prescription.

Eat iron-rich foods such as:

• Meat
• Fish
• Eggs
• Beans
• Dried fruits
• Dark green, leafy vegetables
• Peas
• Fortified foods

Also, foods rich in vitamin C:

• Oranges
• Broccoli
• Tomatoes
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• Blackcurrants

In serious cases, including shortness of breath and chest pain, the doctor may suggest red blood cell transfusions. Usually uncommon, blood transfusions are preferred for cases with severe iron deficiencies only.