Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia in which the blood does not contain enough healthy red blood cells. A shortage of iron in the body causes iron deficiency anemia. A shortage of iron in the body causes iron deficiency anemia.
Causes
Iron deficiency anemia is often a side effect of taking blood-thinning medications. Iron deficiency anemia is often a side effect of taking blood-thinning medications. Examples of substances that affect the body's iron reserves include: anticoagulants, such as Warfarin or Lovenox blood-thinning medications, such as Coumadin, Plavix, or Beaverton low-dose aspirin High levels of iron in the blood may also be due to: alcohol consumption depression restless leg syndrome tuberculosis stress pregnancy urinary tract infections diet Osteoporosis is a disorder that weakens bones and reduces their ability to absorb nutrients. It is the leading cause of broken hips and fractures.
Signs
Iron deficiency anemia may cause the following symptoms: frequent infections' nausea weakness dark spots on the skin dark urine blood in the stool loss of appetite a feeling of exhaustion Complexions If you notice any skin discoloration or hollowness on your face, neck, or hands, you may have iron deficiency anemia. However, complexions of other body parts (e.g., the hands or feet, or the eyes) are rarely signs of an iron deficiency. Belly Iron deficiency anemia can make you feel bloated. Iron deficiency anemia can make you feel bloated. According to the Mayo Clinic, a "belly that feels bloated or heavy" is another symptom of iron deficiency anemia. This condition can make it hard to breathe or eat properly.
Diagnosis
A doctor will first test for iron deficiency anemia before making a diagnosis. A doctor will first test for iron deficiency anemia before making a diagnosis. Iron deficiency anemia is a blood test that detects the amount of iron in the blood. The test is usually done as a blood sample is drawn from the patient. Usually, a person will need to wait 24 hours before getting a repeat test. A person with iron deficiency anemia will either be given a specific type of vitamin or supplementation to try to improve their iron levels. If a person is a smoker, they may need to quit as tobacco causes iron deficiency anemia.
Treatment
It is essential for someone with iron deficiency anemia to meet their body's iron requirements through consumption of dietary iron. However, iron supplements do not treat the underlying cause of the anemia. Some people may experience relief from the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia by eating more iron-rich foods. Some examples of iron-rich foods include: beans lentils cooked black-eyed peas sweet potatoes other legumes fortified cereals Fish, pork, and other red meats are also rich in iron, but excessive iron intake can be dangerous. People should use caution when eating large quantities of iron-rich foods. Anyone with iron deficiency anemia should avoid excessive amounts of iron for a week or so to allow their iron stores to recover