Microcytic anemia is a general term used to describe a medical condition characterized by smaller than normal red blood cells. There are several types of microcytic anemia, but iron-deficiency anemia is the most common. Iron-deficiency anemia develops as a result of a decreased level of iron in the body.
Physiology
Your red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein center called hemoglobin. Iron in your body is used to create hemoglobin, which is then used to create red blood cells. Oxygen and carbon dioxide attach to the hemoglobin portion of the red blood cell for transport and removal from the body. If your body does not contain enough iron, hemoglobin cannot be created properly. As a result, the red blood cells are small and unhealthy and cannot deliver oxygen correctly. The lack of oxygen delivery is responsible for many of the symptoms associated with iron-deficiency anemia.
Symptoms
In the early stages, iron-deficiency anemia does not usually cause any symptoms. As the condition progresses, one of the first physical symptoms that develops is fatigue. Other common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include pale skin, weakness, shortness of breath, headache, lightheadedness, dizziness, irritability, inflammation of the tongue, loss of appetite, brittle nails and irregular heartbeat. Some people also develop a condition called pica, which involves cravings for non-food substances such as dirt or starch.
Causes
Blood loss is the most common reason for iron-deficiency anemia in the United States and Western Europe. Blood loss may be gradual and slow, such as from a peptic ulcer, colon polyp or uterine fibroids. Blood loss may also be sudden and severe, such as from a severe injury or complications during surgery. Some women with heavy menstrual periods eventually develop iron-deficiency anemia as well. Iron-deficiency anemia can also develop as a result of lack of iron in the diet. Because the richest dietary sources of iron include meat, eggs and dairy products, strict vegetarians and vegans are at the highest risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia from poor dietary intake. Some intestinal diseases, such as Crohn's disease and celiac disease, reduce your ability to absorb iron in the small intestine. If you cannot properly absorb iron, you may eventually develop iron-deficiency anemia.
Treatment
Mild to moderate iron-deficiency anemia is usually treated with oral supplementation of iron. It can also be beneficial to increase dietary intake of iron to replenish iron stores more quickly. Vitamin C can increase the absorption of iron in your body, so taking vitamin C in conjunction with iron can be beneficial. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may require transfusion of red blood cells. Once iron levels are restored, further treatment depends on the cause of the anemia.
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