Iron Deficiency Anemia: Diagnose and Treatment

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is a deficiency in the hemoglobin levels due to a lack of iron in their body. Iron deficiency anemia is a very common type of anemia. The body requires a certain amount of iron and with an iron deficiency, one is not able to supply their body with the needed demand. Iron deficiency anemia may be due to a diet low in iron, or the body not being able to absorb enough iron in the digestive system. Iron deficiency anemia can also be caused by a chronic loss of blood from many different conditions. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated by consuming more foods that are high in fiber or taking iron supplements. Iron deficiency anemia has a variety of impacts on the body as well as different ways that it can be treated.

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when there is an insufficient amount of iron in the body ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). This condition causes a lack of adequate healthy red blood cells and therefore the body is not able to produce an adequate amount of hemoglobin ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). When the body does not have enough iron in the blood it will start to use the iron that is has stored ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Eventually, this iron will run out and will lead towards iron deficiency anemia ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Some causes of iron deficiency anemia include losing blood, not eating enough iron in the diet, not being able to absorb enough iron, or pregnancy ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016).

Individuals may develop iron deficiency anemia when they lose blood such as in women who have heavy periods, or an individual with gastrointestinal bleeding ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). In both of these situations, large amounts of blood are being lost as well as the iron in the blood ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). An individual who does not eat enough iron in their diet may develop iron deficiency anemia because over time their body may become iron deficient ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). The body requires an intake of certain amounts of iron and if the iron is not being consumed through the diet is causes a deficiency ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016).

When the body is not able to absorb the iron consumed, such as in an intestinal disorder, iron deficiency may also develop ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). Iron may be consumed at a good level, but due to a disorder, not enough iron is getting into the bloodstream causing a deficiency ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). Pregnancy can also cause iron deficiency anemia because pregnant women need a larger iron storage due to an increase in their blood volume ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). If the iron demand is not being supplied it will cause a deficiency ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016).

Some individuals can have iron deficiency anemia and not notice it because the symptoms can be mild ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). Once an individual becomes more deficient in iron the symptoms can increase and intensify ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). There are many symptoms that are associated with iron deficiency anemia including fatigue, weakness, cold hands or feet, lightheadedness, brittle nails, frequent infections, and many more ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). The most common symptom of anemia is fatigue since the body is not able to deliver enough oxygen to different body part due to not having enough red blood cells ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron deficiency anemia is not something that can be self-diagnosed or treated so it is important to see a doctor if some of these symptoms are present ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016).

Iron deficiency anemia can be diagnosed by a doctor through physical exams, looking at medical history, and blood tests ( “Iron Deficiency Anemia”, 2016). The first diagnostic test that is usually used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia is a complete blood count ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). A complete blood count checks the hemoglobin and hematocrit levels ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). If the complete blood count shows low levels of hemoglobin or hematocrit it is a sign of anemia ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). A complete blood count also checks for abnormal amounts of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in the blood ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Another test that may be performed to diagnose iron deficiency anemia is a reticulocyte count ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). This test will show whether or not your bone marrow is making red blood cells at a normal rate ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Other diagnostic tests that are performed include a peripheral smear and iron level tests ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). A peripheral smear looks at the size of the red blood cells under a microscope to see if they are smaller than normal indicating iron deficiency anemia ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron level tests include a serum iron test which measures the amount of iron in the blood ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.).

In order to treat iron deficiency anemia, the iron stores need to be increased to normal levels ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Depending on the severity of the anemia, the treatments may vary ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron deficiency anemia is typically due to not having enough iron in the diet or not being able to absorb enough iron into the bloodstream ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). In both of these cases, iron supplementation is used along with incorporating a diet that is high in fiber ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). After taking the iron supplementation pills people tend to start to feel better within a couple days although they will need to take the supplementation pills for several months in order to rebuild their iron stores ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Taking large amounts of the supplements can be dangerous, so it is important to consult a doctor about the correct dosage ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Consuming more vitamin C can also help the body absorb more iron ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron supplements can be harmful if taken in large amounts and they can also cause side effects such as constipation ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.).

If iron deficiency anemia is more severe, such as if the iron deficiency anemia is due to blood loss, doctors may give a blood transfusion to correct the anemia quickly before they start to take iron supplementation pills and consume more iron ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Blood transfusions treat anemia right away but it is only a short-term treatment ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Blood transfusions are a safe method of treatment, but careful matching of blood is needed ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron therapy may also be used if long-term iron is needed and supplements cannot be taken by mouth ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron therapy has some safety concerns and therefore must be done by experienced staff in a hospital or clinic ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). If iron deficiency anemia is due to a polyp or cancerous tumor in the intestine, surgery may be needed to remove the growth before treating the anemia ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.).

Doctors use blood tests in order to keep track of the progress of the patient with iron deficiency anemia and to see if any adjustments need to be made in order to maintain normal levels of iron in their body ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron deficiency anemia is typically corrected through iron pills and adding iron in the diet, but if the problem is not corrected more tests may be done to see if there is something else going on such as bleeding in the stomach ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). In order to maintain the progress from iron deficiency anemia, doctors may change medicines or supplements accordingly or suggest ways in order to change the diet ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). Iron in the body has to be carefully monitored because too much iron can also be harmful to the organs ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.). It is important to monitor the symptoms and notify a doctor if the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia reappear ( “Iron-Deficiency Anemia”, n.d.).

Iron deficiency anemia is a condition where there is not enough iron in the body and a normal amount of healthy red blood cells cannot be met. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. There are many causes of iron deficiency anemia including cot consuming enough iron in the diet, not absorbing enough iron, and losing large amounts of blood. Iron deficiency anemia can be treated but it is important to consult a doctor as to how to go about treating it. Ways to treat iron deficiency anemia include taking iron supplements and increasing the amount of iron that is consumed in the diet.