Iron deficiency anemia is a hematological disorder in which the body lacks healthy red blood cells or does not function properly. This condition causes the body to not get enough oxygen so people with anemia get tired easily and look pale.
As the name implies, this type of anemia is caused by the body not having enough iron. Lack of iron can occur either due to lack of food intake or deficiency absorption of iron.
Insufficient iron levels cause the body to be unable to produce hemoglobin, which is the main part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. If you show any of the following symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, see a doctor immediately.
Symptoms
Iron deficiency anemia can occur with or without symptoms. Some of these symptoms that can be a sign of anemia:
- Extreme fatigue
- Limp body
- Pale skin
- Chest pain, fast heart rate, and shortness of breath
- Headache, dizziness, and lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle nails
- Decreased appetite
Diagnosis
Iron deficiency anemia is not something that can be diagnosed on its own. If you have symptoms that suggest anemia, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid taking iron supplements until you get directions from your doctor. If you take iron supplements without a doctor's supervision, you can experience excess iron accumulation, which can lead to liver damage and other serious complications.
The doctor will perform a complete blood test to measure the level of iron, hematocrit, vitamin B12, and folic acid in the blood, as well as kidney function tests. This is done to determine the cause of anemia so that you get the right treatment.
Normal hemoglobin levels can vary from person to person depending on age and gender. Low hemoglobin levels can indicate the body is anemic. The following is a range of normal hemoglobin values (values can differ for each testing site):
- Adult male: 13 g/dL
- Adult female: 12 g/dL
- Pregnant women: 11 g/dL
- Infant: 11 g/dL
- Children 1–6 years: 11.5 g/dL
- Children and adolescents aged 6–18 years: 12 g/dL
Complications
Although mild anemia generally does not cause complications, if left untreated it can get worse and cause health problems such as:
- Heart problems, such as irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmias) and heart failure
- Pregnancy complications, such as premature birth or a low birth weight baby
- Growth disorders, usually occur in children or infants and cause delayed growth and development, and are susceptible to infection
- Lung disorders, such as pulmonary hypertension
Prevention
The risk of iron deficiency anemia can be prevented by enriching foods intake such as :
- Sources of Iron, such as red meat, beef liver, kidney beans, beans, green vegetables, and fortified foods.
- Vitamin C, such as strawberries, kiwi, papaya, guava, oranges, broccoli, kale, bell peppers, and others.
Many people with anemia only focus on increasing their iron intake from food. In fact, increasing the consumption of vitamin C is also needed to support the absorption of iron by the body. So, the consumption of vitamin C should not be forgotten to get the optimal effect of daily iron intake.
If you are a woman who’s planning a pregnancy and have a family history of anemia, consult a doctor at Fitie. Planning a pregnancy under the supervision of a doctor can prevent pregnancy disorders and anemia in children.