Iron deficiency anemia

Disease information

Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia.

Decrease in the number of red blood cells in circulation, and / or insufficient amount of hemoglobin in them (usually couples)

Anemia, such as fever, a symptom of other ailments.

To treat it effectively is necessary to find the primary cause.

Causes.

Reduction in the absorption or iron intake or increased needs of iron.

The cases in infants and young children include:

Poor diet (between 6 months and 2 years of age, children consume large quantities of milk at the expense of foods rich in iron)

Preterm birth (premature babies often suffer from iron deficiency at birth)

Causes in adolescents and adults:

"Estirones" during growth.

Copious menstrual bleeding.

Pregnancy.

Malabsorption.

Gastrointestinal bleeding disease, including cancer.

Signs and symptoms.

The symptoms of anemia are pronounced:

Fatigue and weakness.

Pallor, particularly on the hands and lower edges of the eyelids.

Some less common symptoms include:

Inflammation of the tongue.

Fainting.

Breath.

Tachycardia.

As a child, behavior or overly quiet retreat.

Loss of appetite.

Intestinal discomfort.

Excessive desire to eat ice, paint or dirt ("pica")

Susceptibility to infections.

Risk Factors.

Poverty. Older than 60 years. Newly Gastrointestinal bleeding disease as:

ulcer,

diverticulitis,

colitis,

hemorrhoids or.

gastrointestinal tumors.

Prevention.

Keep the consumption of iron through a proper diet well - balanced, if necessary, with iron supplements.

In infants with a bottle, give a formula fortified with iron.

Diagnosis and Treatment.

DIAGNOSIS:

History and physical examination by a doctor.

Analysis of blood, especially hematocrit, hemoglobin and blood count.

If necessary we will look for signs of hidden bleeding in the stool.

Displaying the digestive tract by endoscopy or X - ray.

TREATMENT:

General measures.

What is most important in the treatment of iron deficiency is the correction of the primary cause.

Iron deficiency can be treated with iron supplements.

In exceptional circumstances, are required blood transfusions.

Medication.

Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements:

For better absorption, take iron on an empty stomach (at least half an hour before meals)

If this leads him to intestinal discomfort, Accompany of a small amount of food (except milk) or take it during the meal, but then you must increase the dosage.

If you are taking other medication, make sure you spend more than two hours between taking iron and other medicines. In extraordinary cases, the martial therapy (iron) will be carried out by injection, but greatly increases the chances of significant reactions.

Activity.

Without restrictions.

Diet Adults should limit the intake of milk to ½ liters daily, because it hinders the absorption of iron.

Take protein and foods high in iron, including meats, beans and leafy greens.

Increase fiber in your diet to prevent constipation.

Advise your doctor if.

Nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea or constipation during treatment.

Complications.

Confusion with other types of anemia.

Very rarely, anemia causes a rapid functioning of the circulatory system.

Forecast.

It is generally cured with iron supplements, provided that the primary cause is identified and can be cured.

More information.

Hematology.

Internal Medicine.

Gastroenterology.

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