IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Overview & Facts

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It develops when the body stores of iron drops too low to support the normal red blood cell (RBC) production. Causes for this iron depletion may be due to inadequate iron intake, impaired iron absorption or bleeding.

Types & Symptoms

Patients with iron deficiency anemia have symptoms that range from mild to severe, but may generally report of experiencing any of the following:

  • General fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness
  • Strange cravings to eat items that aren’t food, such as dirt, ice, or clay
  • A tingling or crawling feeling in the legs
  • Tongue swelling or soreness
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Frittle nails
  • Headaches

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A doctor can diagnose anemia with blood tests. These include:

  • Complete blood cell (CBC) test with peripheral smear
  • Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
  • Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) test

 

TREATMENT

Treatment for iron deficiency anemia starts with the establishment of the source of iron deficiency. Depending on what caused the loss of iron, there are several medical management that can be done. The following are examples of treatment for iron deficiency anemia:

  • Iron therapy
  • Hemorrhagic management
  • Activity restriction
  • Dietary measures

Related Articles

CHLOROPICRIN (PS)

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Chloropicrin (PS) is employed as a soil disinfectant in farming. It [...]

CHLOROBENZYLIDENEMALONONITRILE (CS)

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Chlorobenzylidenemalononitrile (CS) is vital in tear gas, most often utilized as [...]

CHLOROACETOPHENONE (CN)

Overview and FactsTypes and SymptomsDiagnosis & MedicationsOverview and Facts Chloroacetophenone (CN) is an acetophenone that is an essential component in [...]