Navigation
[TITLE]

[MESSAGE]

[BUTTONS]

Popular questions...

Content

How is iron deficiency anemia diagnosed?

Because there are many potential causes of iron deficiency anemia, your doctor will need to take your full medical history and perform a physical examination to identify the most likely cause of iron deficiency or blood loss. Other tests that may be used include: 1) A full blood count to assess the size, shape and color of the red blood cells. In iron deficiency anemia, the red blood cells are typically small, colorless and fewer in number than in normal blood samples. 2) If the cause of your iron deficiency anemia is not known, it may be caused by 'occult' (hidden) bleeding or malabsorption from your gastrointestinal tract. This may be investigated using techniques such as endoscopy, colonoscopy and a fecal occult blood test.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia, a condition caused by low numbers of healthy red blood cells. In iron deficiency anemia, the anemia is the result of low levels of iron in the body.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Sometimes, people with iron deficiency anemia have no symptoms. When they do, common symptoms include weakness, headache, fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate.

What causes iron deficiency anemia?

Blood loss is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia. It might not always be obvious, such as when it occurs due to trauma, surgery, or in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. For example, slow bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract in some …

How is iron deficiency anemia treated?

To treat iron deficiency anemia, you may be given oral or intravenous iron supplements. In some cases of iron deficiency anemia, treatment will focus on treating the root cause, and let the body restore its iron levels naturally.

Can iron deficiency anemia be prevented?

Eating a balanced diet usually provides you with enough iron to meet your body's needs. If you have had iron deficiency once, you are at increased risk of getting it again, so your doctor may prescribe you daily iron supplementation to prevent iron …

What is the outcome for iron deficiency anemia?

Treatment continues until your hemoglobin levels return to normal. You may still need to take iron supplements for some time after this to restore your iron stores.

What happens if iron deficiency anemia occurs during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have severe anemia, it can increase the chances of your baby being born prematurely, having a low birth weight, having problems with their iron levels and poor performance in mental aptitude tests later …

What are the side effects of taking medications for iron deficiency anemia?

Side effects of oral iron include nausea, vomiting and constipation. When delivered intravenously, side effects include dizziness, heart palpitations, itching and an allergic reaction to dextran-based iron …

How common is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a common condition, and the most common type of anemia.

Related topics

Diseases & conditions

Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a common condition that occurs when the lungs become inflamed. It causes coughing and difficult breathing. Acute bronchitis refers to the short-term type, and may occur in the aftermath of cold or flu. While the cough may be severe, it typically lasts for only a few weeks.…
Diseases & conditions

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD, covers conditions affecting the lungs. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are the two main conditions, usually caused by smoking. Medications and lifestyle changes can help slow the progression of the disease.…
Diseases & conditions

Asthma

Asthma is a common respiratory condition where irritants trigger the airways to become inflamed and narrowed, which makes breathing difficult. During attacks, individuals may notice wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest and/or shortness of breath. It is important to know how to correctly manage and prevent asthma attacks.…
Diseases & conditions

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid gland. It leads to an undersupply of hormones that control metabolism in the body. If hormone levels are not within a normal range, this can affect the whole body, causing a wide range of symptoms and health problems.…
Diseases & conditions

Obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep Apnea is a sleep disorder in which breathing stops or is slowed for short periods during sleep. It can cause mild symptoms like daytime tiredness or a morning headache, but can also lead to serious complications that can be life threatening. It is important to treat sleep apnoea.…
Diseases & conditions

Thalassemia

Thalassaemia is a hereditary red blood cell disorder than can cause anaemia. Individuals may notice excessive tiredness and yellowing of the skin, called jaundice. It can be treated by regular blood transfusions.…

About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 19 May 2018
Rating: 5.0 out of 5
Votes: 1503 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bronchitis

×

Content goes in here.