Iron Deficiency Anemia : Symptoms, Causes & Prevention

Signs and Symptoms

Mild or moderate iron deficiency anaemia may not cause any symptoms. However, as the condition worsens, you may begin to notice the following signs:

• Feeling extremely tired

• Weakness

• Chest pain and a rapid heartbeat

• Shortness of breath

• Headache or dizziness

• Pale skin

• Cold hands and feet

• A sore or inflamed tongue

• Brittle nails

• Unusual cravings for non-food items like ice, dirt, or starch

• Loss of appetite, especially in infants and children

If you experience any of these symptoms, be prompt in getting the medical attention you need. Remember to buy health insurance online and take advantage of your coverage to get the right treatment.

Causes

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce adequate haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Common causes include:

1. Inadequate Iron Intake

• Diet low in iron-rich foods like red meat, beans, spinach

• Vegetarian or vegan diets without proper supplementation

2. Increased Iron Requirements

• During pregnancy due to increased demand for iron for fetal development

• Growth spurts in children and adolescents

3. Blood Loss

• Menstruation, especially heavy periods

• Gastrointestinal bleeding for e.g. ulcers, gastritis, haemorrhoids, and colon cancer

• Frequent blood donation

• Trauma or surgery leading to blood loss

4. Malabsorption of Iron

• Celiac disease

• Inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis

• Post-gastric surgery for e.g. bariatric surgery, gastrectomy

• H.pylori infection, which can interfere with iron absorption

5. Chronic Conditions

• Chronic kidney disease

• Chronic inflammation may reduce iron utilization e.g rheumatoid arthritis

6. Parasitic Infections

• Hookworms or other parasites that cause intestinal bleeding

Knowing When to Seek Medical Advice

If you or your child shows signs of iron deficiency anaemia, it is important to see a doctor promptly. The doctor will run tests to confirm if you have anaemia and find the cause. The following are some points to keep in mind:

• If you experience severe iron deficiency symptoms seek medical help right away.

• Never try to diagnose or treat anaemia on your own.

• Taking iron supplements without medical advice can cause harmful iron buildup.

• Early diagnosis helps prevent complications and ensures proper treatment.

In any scenario, remember to take advantage of your cashless health insurance to get prompt and hassle-free medical attention.

Who May Be at Greater Risk

Certain groups of people are more likely to develop anaemia, particularly iron deficiency anaemia. These include:

• Women, especially those with heavy menstrual periods or who are pregnant

• Infants and young children, due to rapid growth and possibly low iron intake

• Teenagers, because of growth spurts

• Girls, due to menstruation

• Older adults, due to poor diet, chronic conditions or blood loss

• Vegetarians and vegans, if their diets lack sufficient iron-rich foods

• People with poor or restricted diets lacking iron-rich foods

• Frequent blood donors, as blood donation causes iron loss

• People with digestive disorders, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, which affect iron absorption

• Athletes, especially endurance athletes, due to increased iron loss

Potential Health Impacts if Left Untreated

Mild iron deficiency anaemia usually doesn’t cause serious problems. However, if it is not treated, it can get worse and lead to health issues like:

1. Heart problems

When you have anaemia, your heart has to work harder and beat faster to carry enough oxygen. Too much strain can weaken your heart and may cause heart failure.

2. Pregnancy complications

Severe anaemia during pregnancy can cause early births and babies with low birth weight. However, taking iron supplements during pregnancy can help prevent this.

3. Growth issues

In babies and young children, severe iron deficiency can cause anaemia and slow down their growth and development. It can also make it easier for them to get infections.

4. Other conditions

Iron deficiency can also cause headaches, fatigue, restless leg syndrome and difficulty concentrating.

Ways to Help Prevent Deficiency

You can lower your chances of getting iron deficiency anaemia by eating foods that are rich in iron. Some good sources of iron are:

• Dark leafy greens, like spinach and kale

• Raisins, apricots, prunes and other dried fruits

• Nuts and seeds, such as cashews, pumpkin seeds and almonds

• Legumes, like beans, lentils and chickpeas

• Iron-fortified cereals

• Chicken, red meat and organ meats

• Fish and seafood

In addition to iron-rich foods, it is also important to consume Vitamin C-rich foods in a good amount to increase iron absorption in your body. Try to consume foods rich in vitamin C at the same time as iron-rich foods.

Some good sources of vitamin C are:

• Oranges, lemons, grapefruit and tangerines

• Strawberries, kiwi and melon

• Tomatoes

• Bell peppers

• Broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts

• Leafy greens