Iron Deficiency Anema
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Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment Options
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the levels of hemoglobin in the red blood cells are insufficient. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that gives them the red color and enables them to carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Iron Deficiency Anemia is one of the most common types of anemia, and it occurs due to a lack of enough iron in the body. The body needs iron to produce hemoglobin. When the body lacks sufficient iron, the tissues and organs do not get the required amount of oxygen to stay healthy. This can result in the individual feeling tired and short of breath.
Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
There are several reasons why a person may be suffering from iron deficiency anemia, and these include:
- INSUFFICIENT IRON INTAKE: The body gets iron from the foods we consume. Eating too little iron for an extended period will cause a shortage of iron in the body. Foods rich in iron include eggs, meat, green leafy vegetables, and iron-fortified foods.
- INABILITY TO ABSORB IRON: Certain disorders such as celiac disease and intestinal surgery like gastric bypass can limit the absorption of iron in the body.
- BLOOD LOSS: Since blood contains iron in the red blood cells, when an individual bleeds, they lose iron. Some of the conditions that increase the risk of iron deficiency anemia include heavy menstruation, gastrointestinal bleeding caused by regular use of over-the-counter (OTC) pain medication, and slow chronic blood loss due to colorectal cancer, peptic ulcer, or hiatal hernia. Cancer Causes Low Hemoglobin (Anemia) by leading to chronic blood loss, making anemia a common complication of certain types of cancer.
- ENDOMETRIOSIS: This can cause hidden heavy blood loss in the pelvic or abdominal area.
- PREGNANCY: Pregnant women are at risk of iron deficiency anemia if they do not supplement their iron intake. This is because most of their iron is being channeled to the growing fetus.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Although iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, many individuals suffer from this condition without even knowing it, as the symptoms can be mild at first, making it hard to notice the condition. Most people get to know they have anemia when they do a blood test.
The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
- Dizziness
- Tingling sensation in the legs
- Tongue soreness or swelling
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Headaches
- Cold hands and feet
- Strange cravings such as to eat clay, dirt, or ice
- Brittle nails
Risk Factors of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Some individuals are at greater risk of developing iron deficiency anemia, including:
- Individuals with poor diet
- Women of childbearing age
- Pregnant women
- Individuals who donate blood regularly
- Infants and children, especially those who are born prematurely or with low birth weight, those who do not get enough iron from formula or breast milk, and those experiencing a growth spurt
- Vegetarians who fail to replace meat with other iron-rich foods
Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Diagnosing iron deficiency anemia involves several tests, such as Complete Blood Count (CBC) to determine the following:
- COLOR AND SIZE OF THE RED BLOOD CELLS: Iron deficiency anemia causes the red blood cells to be pale and smaller than normal.
- AMOUNT OF WHITE BLOOD CELLS AND PLATELETS
- HEMOGLOBIN LEVEL: Low levels of hemoglobin indicate anemia. Normal hemoglobin levels for women are 11.6 to 15 grams (g) per deciliter (dL) and for men, 13.2 to 16.6 g/dL.
- HEMATOCRIT: Blood volume percentage made up of red blood cells.
- FERRITIN: Low levels of ferritin indicate low iron stores in the body.
Other tests include:
- FECAL OCCULT TEST: To check for internal bleeding.
- ENDOSCOPY: Used to examine the gastrointestinal tract lining for bleeding due to ulcers, hiatal hernia, or the stomach.
- COLONOSCOPY: To rule out bleeding in the large intestine or colon.
- PELVIC ULTRASOUND: Used to examine excessive menstrual bleeding, such as uterine fibroids.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Treatment for iron deficiency anemia includes:
- IRON SUPPLEMENTS: Iron tablets help restore iron in the body and should be taken on an empty stomach to enhance absorption. They need to be taken for several months and may cause constipation or black stool.
- DIET: An iron-rich diet can help prevent or treat iron deficiency anemia. This diet includes foods like dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, nuts, dried fruits, and iron-fortified cereals. Accompany these meals with vitamin C as it aids in iron absorption.
- TREATING UNDERLYING CAUSES: If iron deficiency anemia is caused by an absorption problem or bleeding, treatment may involve antibiotics, oral contraceptives, or surgery to remove a bleeding tumor or fibroid.
- In cases of severe anemia, blood transfusion is often performed to replenish hemoglobin and iron quickly.
Iron Deficiency and Cancer
Iron deficiency anemia is often a result of chronic blood loss caused by cancer, particularly gastrointestinal or colorectal cancer. Cancer causes low hemoglobin (anemia) by damaging tissues and leading to persistent bleeding. It is essential to address iron deficiency and cancer simultaneously, as untreated anemia can complicate cancer treatment and affect recovery.
Next Step
If you are experiencing persistent fatigue, breathlessness, or have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, timely evaluation is essential.
At Cancer Care Centre Dubai, our specialists provide a comprehensive assessment to identify underlying causes, including chronic blood loss or cancer-related anemia.
Using advanced diagnostics and personalised treatment plans, our multidisciplinary team offers coordinated care focused on restoring health, improving strength, and supporting long-term recovery with compassion and clinical expertise.
