What is iron deficiency anemia – Causes and Symptoms?

Anemia is a lack of iron and can affect one’s health condition. The affected person needs to have a proper diet and required iron as a deficiency is not good.

What is iron-deficiency anemia?

Anemia does occur when a person has decreased the level of hemoglobin into one’s red blood cells (RBCs). Hemoglobin is the protein in the individual’s RBCs that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues. Homeopathy doctors Hyderabad can efficiently treat this health condition.

Iron deficiency anemia happens to be the most common type of anemia and it does occur when the body does not have enough of the mineral iron. The body does need iron to make hemoglobin. When there is not enough iron in the bloodstream, the rest of one’s body will not be able to get the amount of oxygen it requires. 

While the condition may indeed be common, several people do not know they have iron deficiency anemia. It is possible to experience the symptoms for years without ever knowing the cause. 

In women of childbearing age, the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia is rather a loss of iron in the blood due to heavy menstruation or pregnancy. A poor diet or certain intestinal diseases that do affect how the body absorbs iron can also cause iron-deficiency anemia. 

Doctors do normally treat the condition with iron supplements or changes to diet. Homeopathy doctors Hyderabad are also well equipped to deal with this health issue.

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can rather be mild to start with, and the affected person may not even notice them. Most people do not realize they have mild anemia until they have a routine blood test. 

The symptoms of moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia include:

• general fatigue
• weakness
• pale skin
• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• strange cravings to eat items that are not food, such as dirt, ice, or clay
• a tingling or crawling feeling in the legs
• tongue swelling or soreness
• cold hands and feet
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• brittle nails
• headaches

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency is acknowledged as being the most common cause of anemia. There are several reasons why a person might become deficient in iron. These include:

Inadequate iron intake

Eating too little iron over an extended amount of time can indeed cause a shortage in the body. Foods such as meat, eggs, and some green leafy vegetables are high in iron. As iron is essential during times of rapid growth and development, pregnant women and young children may need even more iron-rich foods in their diet.

Pregnancy or blood loss due to menstruation

Heavy menstrual bleeding and blood loss during childbirth are the most common causes of iron deficiency anemia in women of childbearing age.

Internal bleeding

Certain medical conditions can indeed cause internal bleeding, which can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. Examples do include an ulcer in one’s stomach, polyps in the colon or intestines, or colon cancer. Regular use of pain relievers, such as aspirin, can also lead to bleeding in the stomach.

Inability to absorb iron

Certain disorders or surgeries that do affect the intestines can also interfere with how the body absorbs iron. Even if a person gets enough iron in one’s diet, celiac disease or intestinal surgery such as gastric bypass may limit the amount of iron one’s body can absorb.

Endometriosis

If a woman has endometriosis she may have heavy blood loss that she cannot see because it is hidden in one’s abdominal or pelvic area.

Homeopathy doctors Hyderabad have the required expertise to treat anemia.