Iron Deficiency Anaemia
The most common form of anaemia is iron deficiency anaemia which is usually due to chronic blood loss caused by excessive menstruation. Increased demands for iron, such as foetal growth in pregnancy, and children undergoing rapid growth spurts in infancy and adolescence, can also cause iron deficiency anaemia.
This condition is treated with iron supplementation as well as the treatment of the underlying cause of the iron deficiency.
Causes
Iron deficiency occurs when the rate of loss or use of iron is more than its rate of absorption and use. The reasons for this are
- Chronic blood loss: Most commonly due to excessive menstruation or bleeding into or from the gut as a result of a peptic ulcer, gastritis, haemorrhoids or in children, worm infestation.
- Increased use of iron: In pregnancy, due to the growth of the foetus or children undergoing rapid growth spurts in infancy and adolescence.
- Decreased absorption of iron
- after a partial or total removal of the stomach.
- lack of stomach acid;
- chronic diarrhoea;
Signs and symptoms
The most common symptoms of chronic anaemia include tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath and sometimes, a fast heartbeat. The tongue may also become smooth, shiny and inflamed – this is called glossitis. Angular stomatitis (erosion, tenderness and swelling at the corners of the mouth) may also occur. In some instances, the patient also suffers from pica, a craving for strange foods such as starch, ice and clay.
The symptoms of the underlying cause of the iron deficiency may be present such as heavy menstrual bleeding or abdominal pain due to peptic ulceration.
Diagnosis
To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may run tests to look for: Red blood cell size and color. With iron deficiency anemia, red blood cells are smaller and paler in color than normal.
Treatment
Treatment for iron-deficiency anaemia will depend on the cause and severity of the condition. Treatments may include dietary changes and supplements, medicines, and surgery. Severe iron-deficiency anaemia may require treatment in hospital, blood transfusions, iron rejections, or intravenous iron therapy.
Risk
Infants and young children, women, and adults who have internal bleeding are at highest risk for iron-deficiency anaemia.