Iron-deficiency Anemia

Also known as: Hypochronic microcytic anemia
What is it?
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that occurs when there is not enough iron in the blood. Iron is a mineral the body needs to make hemoglobin, the part of the red blood cell that helps carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Who gets it?
Iron-deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia in the world, affecting mostly women, young children, and older people. It is estimated that 15 percent of menstruating women are affected, and it is particularly common in women of Asian decent.
What causes it?
Any condition in which a person loses blood over a long period of time can cause iron-deficiency anemia. The most common cause in the United States is pregnancy and gastrointestinal bleeding. During pregnancy, a woman needs extra iron for her growing baby.
Bleeding and blood losses through gastrointestinal tract can be caused by colorectal cancer, hookworms, hemorrhoids, anal fissures, irritable bowel syndrome, aspirin-induced bleeding, blood clotting disorders, and diverticulosis (a condition caused by an abnormal opening from the intestine or bladder). Von Willebrand's disease, a genetic condition, can cause bleeding disorders which can cause gastrointestinal bleeding.
Other causes include menstruation, blood loss through the urine, donating blood more than five times per year, not eating healthy foods, chronic inflammation of the intestines, problems with iron absorption and surgery to remove part of the stomach.
What are the symptoms?
Many people who have iron-deficiency anemia don’t realize it. The most common symptoms are feeling tired and weak, paleness of skin, whites of eyes appear blue-like, shortness of breath, dizziness, abdominal pain and lack of appetite. These symptoms result because of the red blood cells are not functioning properly and cannot carry iron to exercising muscles. Other symptoms may include headache, feeling irritable, nails that break easily, burning and soreness on the tongue and in the mouth. Wanting to eat ice, paint, starch, or dirt (a condition called Pica) may be other signs of iron-deficiency anemia.
How is it diagnosed?
To diagnose iron-deficiency anemia, the doctor may look at the patient’s medical history and symptoms to determine what tests should be done. A blood test in combination with a test for oral iron absorption may confirm the diagnosis. The doctor may also want to check the patient’s stools or get x-rays of the bowel to determine if blood loss is a cause of the anemia.
What is the treatment?
The doctor may recommend the patient take oral iron supplements to treat iron-deficiency anemia. If poor iron absorption is a problem, the doctor may recommend therapy with injections of iron. The doctor may recommend a surgery, called an upper and/or lower GI endoscopy, to detect any malignancy. The doctor may also recommend the patient change his or her eating habits to be sure of a well-balanced diet.
Self-care tips
Iron-deficiency anemia is easily cured. Patients should follow their doctor’s recommendations and take their iron supplements and follow a well-balanced, varied diet.