Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment

Iron deficiency anemia develops when the body does not have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. There are a few major causes of low iron levels leading to anemia:

Blood loss - Monthly menstrual periods in women can cause significant blood loss over time if iron intake is not sufficient. Other causes of chronic blood loss include ulcers or hemorrhoids. Acute blood loss from an injury or surgery also rapidly depletes iron stores.

Poor diet - Not consuming enough dietary iron is a common cause of deficiency. Good plant-based sources of iron include spinach, chickpeas, lentils, beans and fortified cereals. Meat also contains easily absorbed iron but some people consume vegetarian or vegan diets low in this nutrient.

Pregnancy & growth - During pregnancy and periods of rapid growth like infancy and adolescence, iron requirements greatly increase. Extra iron is needed to support the expansion of blood volume and growth. Deficiency can develop if dietary intake and absorption do not accommodate these demands.

Malabsorption - Conditions like celiac disease, Crohn's disease or stomach surgeries may prevent normal iron absorption in the intestines by damaging the lining. Bacterial overgrowth can also interfere.

Blood disorders - Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment Genetic blood disorders like thalassemia major require regular blood transfusions and lead to iron overload in the body over time.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia develop as the decreased oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood starts to impact organ and tissue function. Common signs include:

- Pale skin.

- Shortness of breath or tiredness with exertion.

- Headaches.

- Dizziness.

- Cold hands and feet.

- Rapid heartbeat.

- Sore or swollen tongue.

- Chest pain.

- Brittle nails.

- Crack at the corners of the mouth.

Symptoms tend to be mild with a mild anemia but can worsen as hemoglobin levels drop further. Severe anemia can lead to complications without treatment.

Diagnosing Iron Deficiency Anemia

A complete blood count test ordered by a healthcare provider is used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Key results would show:

- Low hemoglobin level - Hemoglobin carries oxygen in red blood cells. A level below normal range confirms anemia.

- Low hematocrit - Volume percentage of red blood cells is decreased.

- Microcytic, hypochromic red blood cells - Cells appear smaller than normal with less hemoglobin when viewed under a microscope.

Additional tests may include:

- Serum ferritin - Measures iron stores in the body. Low levels indicate deficiency.

- Serum iron - Amount of circulating iron in blood plasma. Also low with iron deficiency.

- TIBC (Total Iron Binding Capacity) - Measures iron transport capacity. Higher than normal with iron deficiency.

Determining the underlying cause is important to properly treat the anemia and prevent future recurrence. A history, physical exam and additional lab tests may be done.

Treatment for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Most cases of mild to moderate iron deficiency anemia can be successfully treated with oral iron supplements and dietary changes:

- Oral iron supplements - Ferrous sulfate and ferrous gluconate are commonly prescribed. Look for forms with vitamins C or A which aid absorption. Follow dosage instructions carefully.

- Iron-rich diet - Eating iron-rich plant foods listed above along with vitamin C foods at each meal enhances absorption of non-heme iron forms. Well-cooked meat and poultry also boost iron intake.

- Treat underlying cause - Addressing causes like heavy periods, malabsorption issues or blood loss may reduce anemia risk long-term.

More severe anemia may require intravenous iron infusions to rapidly restore iron levels. Rare cases involving ongoing blood loss could necessitate blood transfusions. Once iron stores replenish and hemoglobin rises back into a healthy range, supplements can be discontinued.

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