IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA by Dr. Fozia Ansari

Anemia is when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells or they aren't working properly. 

The most common type is called iron-deficiency anemia. This happens when your body doesn't have sufficient iron.

Iron is that helps create a special type of red blood cell responsible for carrying oxygen to all parts of your body through the bloodstream.

 

WHO GETS IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA?

1.   Pregnant Women:

About one in six pregnant women get iron-deficiency anemia because they need extra iron to help their baby grow.

2.   Women with Heavy Periods:

Up to 5% of women with heavy menstrual periods, especially those in the childbearing age group, can develop iron-deficiency anemia due to significant blood loss during periods.

3.   Kids and Teens:

Babies, little kids, and teenagers are also more likely to have iron-deficiency anemia.

 

 SYMPTOMS OF IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

 

1.            Feeling Tired (Fatigue):

                  Very common, a constant feeling of being worn out.

2.            Weakness:

Lack of strength and energy.

3.            Dizziness:

Feeling lightheaded or unsteady.

4.            Headaches:

Experiencing persistent head pain.

5.            Low Body Temperature:

Feeling colder than usual.

6.            Pale or Yellowish Skin:

Skin appearing unusually pale or sallow.

7.            Rapid or Irregular Heartbeat:

Heart beating too fast or in an irregular pattern.

8.            Shortness of Breath or Chest Pain:

Difficulty breathing or pain in the chest, especially during physical activity.

9.            Brittle Nails:

Nails becoming weak and prone to breaking.

10.          Pica (Unusual Cravings):

Strange cravings for things like ice, very cold drinks, or non-food items like dirt or paper.

 As iron-deficiency anemia progresses, these symptoms may become more noticeable. If you're experiencing these signs, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and guidance.

 

WHAT CAUSES IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA? 

1.   Causes of Iron Loss:

•     Stomach Issues: Problems in your stomach like ulcers, colon polyps, or colon cancer can make you bleed.

•     Medicine Use: Taking pain relievers for a long time, like aspirin, can lead to    bleeding.

•     Blood Donation: Giving blood too often without enough time to recover can make you lose iron.

•     Menstrual Factors: Having really heavy or long periods can cause a lot of iron loss.

•         Uterine Fibroids: Growths in the uterus that are not cancerous can cause heavy bleeding.

 

2.   Increased Iron Needs:

•     Pregnancy: When you're pregnant, your body needs more iron. Not getting enough can lead to anemia.

3.   Dietary Factors:

•     Low Iron Intake: If you're not eating enough foods with iron, especially from animals like meat, chicken, and fish, it can cause anemia.

4.   Absorption Issues:

•         Health Conditions: Certain health problems like Crohn’s disease or celiac disease can make it hard for your body to take in iron from food.

To sum up, iron-deficiency anemia often happens because of bleeding, higher iron needs during pregnancy, not eating enough iron-rich foods, or having trouble absorbing iron due to specific health conditions.

 

HOW CAN I PREVENT IRON-DEFICIENCY ANEMIA?

 

1.      Fix the Reason for Bleeding:

If you bleed a lot from heavy periods or have tummy troubles like frequent diarrhea or bloody stools, talk to your doctor.

2.      Eat Iron-Rich Foods:

Include foods with iron in your meals, like lean meat, chicken, dark leafy veggies, and beans.

3.      Boost Iron Absorption:

Eat and drink things that help your body soak up iron, such as orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or fruits and veggies with vitamin C.

4.      Make Smart Food Choices:

Choose healthy and balanced foods; most folks who do this naturally get the iron and vitamins their bodies need.

5.      Skip Coffee or Tea with Meals:

Avoid having coffee or tea while eating because they can make it tough for your body to take in iron.

6.      Discuss Calcium Pills with Your Doctor:

If you take calcium pills, chat with your doctor. Too much calcium can make it tricky for your body to absorb iron.

In a nutshell, if you're losing blood, talk to your doctor. Eat iron-rich foods, pair them with things that help absorption, make healthy food choices, skip coffee or tea with meals, and discuss calcium pills with your doctor to make sure you're getting enough iron.