Ask the Doctor: What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Posted on: Monday, 27 February 2006, 15:00 CST
Dear Dr. Sangani:
I am 43 years old and have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. I have exercised all my life and have had to quit, because I am tired and I can't breathe. Please tell me what could cause this. What would be the course of action to find out what is wrong? I am on iron pills, and I would like to know the best way to take them.
_What is Wrong?
Dear What is Wrong:
You have brought up several issues for discussion. Let us first understand what iron deficiency anemia is and then see if any of the other symptoms you mention could be caused by that disease.
Q: What is iron deficiency anemia?
A: Let us first understand what anemia is and then we can talk about iron deficiency anemia. Anemia means a decrease in the amount of red blood cells in the blood. This in turn causes reduction in the amount of oxygen it can carry. Iron deficiency anemia (also called IDA) is a condition where a person has inadequate amounts of iron to meet body demands.
It is a decrease in the amount of red cells in the blood caused by having too little iron. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia.
Iron is an essential component of the oxygen-carrying mechanism in the body. Without enough iron, the body's fuel cannot be properly used.
Iron deficient people always feel tired and sometimes cold because their bodies are starved for oxygen.
Q: What causes iron deficiency anemia?
A: The main causes of iron deficiency are inadequate daily intake of iron, pregnancy, growth spurts or from blood loss do to a heavy period or internal bleeding. Anemia can also be caused by sudden blood loss from traumatic hemorrhage. Anemia develops slowly after the normal stores of iron have been depleted in the body.
Although a diet deficient in iron can cause anemia, it is important to rule out blood loss internally such as from the lower gastrointestinal tract or from ulcers from the over usage of aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
Gastrointestinal malabsorption of iron may be seen in certain diseases such as celiac disease (sprue) which may be detected by your doctor.
Q: What symptoms might I experience if I have anemia?
A: There are many symptoms of IDA and each person may not experience all the symptoms. If the anemia is mild the symptoms may not be noticeable. Some of the symptoms are pale skin color, lack of energy or tiring easily, feeling cold, increased heart rate, sore or swollen tongue, shortness of breath with routine exertion, brittle nails or the desire to eat substances such as ice, paper or dirt (a condition called pica). Because these symptoms of anemia are easily confused with other conditions, it is important to see a doctor for further evaluation if you are experiencing any of the above mentioned symptoms for prompt diagnosis.
Next week's column will focus on diagnosis, treatment and prevention of IDA.
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Submit questions to Dr. Bharat Sangani at bsangani@encore.bz or 5601 Sound Bluff Road, Ocean Springs, MS 39564. Sangani also would like to hear from physicians interested in contributing to this column.
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(c) 2006, The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.).
Visit The Sun Herald Online at http://www.sunherald.com/
Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Services.
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Source: The Sun Herald (Biloxi, Miss.)
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