Anemia

Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, and it occurs when your body doesn't have enough of the mineral iron. Your body needs iron to make

hemoglobin

. When there isn't enough iron in your bloodstream, the rest of your body can't get the amount of oxygen it needs.
Mild iron deficiency anemia usually doesn't cause complications. However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following: Heart problems. Iron deficiency anemia may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat.
Symptoms

Fatigue

common

Unusual lightness of skin color

or Pale inner surface of eyelids

common

Rapid heart rate

or Irregular heartbeat

common

Spoon shaped nails

common

Appetite for non-nutritive substances

common

Difficulty breathing

  • Occurs or worsens with exertion

common

Dizziness

Cold hands or feet

Chest discomfort

Tongue inflammation

Headache

Risk factors

Postpartum

  • Bleeding

or Pregnancy

Chronic blood loss

Excessive or prolonged bleeding during period

or Stomach ulcer or gastritis

or Abnormal growths of tissue in the large intestine or colon

or Colon cancer

or Black stool

Treatment
Iron-deficiency anemia is treated with: 1-Iron supplements taken by mouth. 2-Foods high in iron and foods that help your body absorb iron (like foods with Vitamin C). 3-Iron given through an intravenous (IV) infusion. (This is often a choice if you have chronic kidney disease or CKD.) 4-Transfusions of red blood cells.
Recommended specialist

If you have Anemia, then a visit to a general internist is highly recommended.

Contact a

General internist

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