Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common anaemias. It is characterised by the body not being able to make enough red blood cells due to low levels of iron in the blood. This condition can slowly build without any obvious symptoms being present during the early stages. However, as this deficiency gets worse, then various symptoms can appear, leading to illness.
This is because a lack of iron affects the number of red blood cells being manufactured, and these are needed to store and carry oxygen throughout the body. A deficiency in iron ultimately can lead to a deficiency in red blood cells and, therefore, blood oxygen levels as well.
There are various causes of iron deficiency anaemia, and it can be treated naturally or with conventional medicine, depending on the cause.
There are numerous symptoms of iron deficiency, but the most common ones are low energy levels, shortness of breath, especially whilst walking and running, fatigue, and a general feeling of all-over-body lethargy.
Some individuals can hear their own heart beating rapidly as it tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen being circulated around the body by pumping faster than normal. A pale complexion is also a common trait of this type of anaemia.
These symptoms can also be accompanied by tinnitus, itchiness, hair loss, a sore tongue, and an altered sense of taste.
There are various causes of iron deficiency anaemia other than inadequate levels of iron in the diet. Internal bleeding from an undiagnosed condition is usually the culprit behind this type of anaemia.
Internal bleeds can be caused by ulcers in the stomach and other blood loss originating from the digestive system. Heavy periods and pregnancy can also lead to iron deficiency due to loss of blood and the demands for extra iron from a developing infant.
Apart from heavy periods leading to bleeding and the extra demands placed on the female body during pregnancy, other risk factors that can cause iron deficiency anaemia include cancers such as bowel and stomach cancer. These can be either from poor absorption or bleeding from tumours.
Regular use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can lead to stomach and intestinal bleeds and are, therefore, major risk factors as well.
The best way to diagnose iron deficiency anaemia is through blood testing to check iron and red blood cell levels. The quicker the condition is diagnosed, the better, as this can lead to further investigations, such as checks for the source of an internal bleed.
Prompt treatment can ease the pressure on the heart, reducing the risk of heart failure as the heart can pump blood around the body at a normal speed once iron levels are restored.
The most obvious treatment for iron deficiency is to replace lost iron through diet or by iron supplementation. Foods such as dark green leafy vegetables, red meat, raisins, nuts, and seeds all contain high levels of iron.
Iron supplements and iron-rich foods can also help prevent this type of anaemia, as can avoiding the overuse of anti-inflammatories which can cause internal bleeds in the digestive system.