Iron Deficiency Anemia

Overview

Iron Deficiency Anemia is a common type of anemia where there is insufficient iron in the body. Iron is essential for the production of hemoglobin which carries oxygen in the blood. It is also necessary to maintain healthy cells, skin, hair and nails.

Signs and Symptoms

Tiredness, Dizziness, Palpitations, Headache, Shortness of breath, Tachycardia, Postural hypotension, Confusion, Poor concentration, Pallor of conjunctiva, Jaundice, Angular stomatitis, Glossitis, Koilonychia

Common Causes

Chronic bleeding, Malabsorption, Lack of iron in diet, Pregnancy, Menorrhagia, Gastrointestinal bleeding due to peptic ulcer disease and colon cancer

Risk Factors

Women, Vegetarians (diet lack of iron), Frequent blood donors, Pregnancy, History of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs intake, History of gastric or intestinal surgery

Investigation Techniques

Full blood count, Peripheral blood film, Electrophoresis, Serum iron level, Serum ferritin, Total iron binding capacity (TIBC), Endoscopy

Treatment and Prevention

Oral iron supplements, Parenteral iron therapy, Take iron rich food, Vitamin C and vitamin C food to enhance iron absorption