Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells or the cells do not contain enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body.

Iron is needed to make hemoglobin. Without enough iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, which leads to anemia.

Signs and Symptoms

Iron deficiency anemia can cause a variety of symptoms. Some of the most common include the following:.

Fatigue

Feeling tired all the time is one of the most common symptoms of anemia. This is because the body is not getting enough oxygen to the cells, which causes fatigue.

Pale Skin

Iron deficiency anemia can cause the skin to appear pale, especially around the mouth, gums, and inside the lower eyelids. This is because of the lack of oxygen-rich blood.

Shortness of Breath

Shortness of breath may occur during physical activity or at rest. This is due to the lack of oxygen being delivered to the muscles, causing them to work harder and causing you to feel breathless.

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Low levels of iron in the blood can cause dizziness or lightheadedness, which can affect your balance and make you feel unstable. This is because the brain is not receiving enough oxygen.

Rapid Heartbeat/Palpitations

Iron deficiency anemia can cause the heart to beat faster than normal, especially during physical activity. Fast or irregular heartbeats can also be a sign of anemia, because the heart has to work harder to provide oxygen to the cells.

Cold hands and feet

Iron deficiency can cause a decrease in blood flow to the hands and feet, causing them to feel cold to the touch. This is because the body is trying to conserve warmth for the vital organs.

Headaches

Anemia can cause headaches due to the lack of oxygen reaching the brain, which can also lead to feelings of confusion and difficulty concentrating.

Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia

There are several different factors that can cause iron deficiency anemia. Some of the most common causes include the following:.

Inadequate intake of iron-rich foods

The human body needs iron to produce hemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body. If a person doesn’t consume enough iron-rich foods, their body will not be able to make enough hemoglobin, which can lead to anemia.

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Blood loss

Iron is lost from the body when we lose blood. This can be due to heavy periods, ulcers, or other medical conditions that cause chronic blood loss.

Pregnancy or breastfeeding

Pregnant and breastfeeding women require more iron than the average person because they need to supply iron to their developing fetus or nursing infant. If a woman’s iron intake is inadequate, she may develop anemia.

Inability to absorb iron properly

Even if a person consumes enough iron in their diet, they may still develop anemia if their body cannot properly absorb the iron they consume. This can happen in people with digestive disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn’s disease.

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia

If you suspect that you may have iron deficiency anemia, it’s important to speak with your doctor. They will likely perform a blood test to determine if you have anemia and what the cause may be. Common blood tests include:.

Hemoglobin test

A hemoglobin test measures the amount of hemoglobin in your blood.

Hematocrit test

A hematocrit test measures the percentage of red blood cells in your blood.

Serum ferritin test

The serum ferritin test measures the amount of iron stored in your body.

Treating Iron Deficiency Anemia

Treatment of iron deficiency anemia depends on the underlying cause of the condition. If the anemia is due to inadequate iron in the diet, increasing your consumption of iron-rich foods may be enough to correct the problem.

Iron supplements may also be prescribed to boost iron levels in the blood.

If blood loss is the cause of your anemia, treatment may involve identifying and treating the underlying medical condition causing the blood loss.

Conclusion

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition that can cause a variety of symptoms. If you suspect that you may have anemia, it’s important to speak with your doctor. Fortunately, there are many effective treatments available for this condition.

By working closely with your healthcare provider, you can get back to feeling like your old self in no time.