Iron deficiency anemia

Basic Information

Description

A decreased number of circulating blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin in the cells. Anemia is a result of other disorders. For proper treatment, the cause must be found.

Signs and symptoms of Iron-deficiency anemia

Initially there may be no symptoms.

Signs of pronounced anemia include:

• Tiredness and weakness.
• Paleness, especially in the hands and lining of the lower eyelids.

Less common signs include:

• Tongue inflammation.
• Fainting.
• Breathlessness.
• Rapid heartbeat.
• Appetite loss.
• Abdominal discomfort.
• Cravings for ice, paint or dirt.
• Susceptibility to infection.

Causes

Decreased absorption of iron or increased need for iron. Causes in adolescents and adults:

• Rapid growth spurts.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Pregnancy.
• Malabsorption.
• Gastrointestinal disease with bleeding, including cancer.

Risk increases with

• Poor nutrition.
• Age over 60.
• Recent illness, such as an ulcer, diverticulitis, colitis, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal tumors.

Preventive measures

• Maintain an adequate iron intake through a well-balanced diet or iron supplements.
• Correction of gynecologic or other problems causing excess blood loss.

Expected outcomes

Usually curable with iron supplements if the underlying cause can be identified and cured.

Possible complications

• Failure to diagnose a bleeding malignancy.
• Angina pectoris (pain or pressure beneath the breastbone caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart) or congestive heart failure (pumping action of the heart is insufficient) may develop as a result of marked iron deficiency.

Iron deficiency anemia treatment

General measures

• The most important part of treatment for iron-deficiency anemia is to correct the underlying cause. Iron deficiency can be treated well with iron supplements.
• Avoid risk of infections.

Medications

Iron supplements:

• Take iron on an empty stomach (at least 1/2 hour before meals) for best absorption. If it upsets your stomach, you may take it with a small amount of food (except milk).
• If you take other medications, wait at least 2 hours after taking iron before taking them. Antacids and tetracyclines especially interfere with iron absorption.
• Iron supplements may cause black bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation.
• Continue iron supplements until 2 to 3 months after blood tests return to normal.
• Too much iron is dangerous. A bottle of iron tablets can poison a child. Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.

Activity

No restrictions. You may need to pace activities until symptoms of fatigue are gone.

Diet

• Adults should limit milk to 1 pint a day. It interferes with iron absorption.
• Eat iron-containing foods, including meat, beans and leafy green vegetables.
• Increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation.

Last updated 14 June 2015