Anemia is a condition in which the body lacks enough red blood cells to transport oxygen-rich blood to body tissues. Iron deficiency is the main cause of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is an essential mineral that is needed to form hemoglobin, an oxygen carrying protein inside red blood cells. A decrease in iron amounts in the body may be caused by poor intake of iron-rich foods, prolonged bleeding or intestinal disorders that prevent iron absorption.
Pathophysiology of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia and it develops over time if the body does not have enough iron to manufacture red blood cells. Without enough iron, the body uses up all the iron it has stored in the liver, bone marrow and other organs. Once the stored iron is depleted, the body is able to make very few red blood cells. The red blood cells the body is able to make are abnormal and do not have a normal hemoglobin-carrying capacity, as do normal red blood cells.
Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Patients with iron deficiency anemia experience symptoms such as fatigue, pale skin, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness, irritability, paleness, coldness in hands and feet, chest pain, cracks at the corner of the mouth, enlarged spleen, unusual cravings for nonfood items, smooth sore tongue and spoon shaped nails, according to MayoClinic. Severe anemia may lead to abnormal heart rhythms, heart murmur, shock and heart failure. Children with iron deficiency anemia may have problems with cognitive and physical development.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Treatment of iron-deficiency anemia depends on severity of symptoms. Mild anemia is treated with iron-rich foods and supplements, while severe anemia requires blood transfusions, iron injections and intravenous iron therapy, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Iron-rich foods include red meat, organ meats such as liver and kidneys, fish, poultry green leafy vegetables and legumes. Iron supplements help to build up iron levels quickly. Iron supplements should be taken with food to avoid stomach irritation.
Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia
Untreated iron deficiency anemia can lead to heart problems such as abnormal heart beats, rapid heart rate and angina, according to MayoClinic. Angina is chest pain caused by decreased oxygen and flow of blood to the heart muscle. Iron deficiency in pregnant women can lead to premature births and low birth weights. Infants and children with anemia may suffer from cognitive problems and delayed growth.
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