Ten Warning Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Anemia denotes a condition where there is a shortage of healthy red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. These cells are crucial for transporting oxygen throughout the body, and a reduction in RBCs hinders this vital function.

There are various types of anemia, including iron deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, aplastic anemia, sickle cell anemia, and thalassemia. Each type results from the impaired production of RBCs, whether due to nutrient deficiencies or the bone marrow's failure to produce them.

What Causes Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency arises when the balance between iron intake and loss is disrupted, leading to insufficient hemoglobin and, consequently, iron deficiency anemia. Common causes include:

Blood loss from injuries, menstruation, pregnancy, or chronic conditions like peptic ulcers, hiatal hernias, colon polyps, or colorectal cancer.

Insufficient dietary iron.

Poor iron absorption due to intestinal disorders.

Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Hemoglobin within RBCs binds iron, essential for oxygen transport. A deficiency in iron leads to a reduced RBC count.

This drop in iron and oxygen levels causes iron deficiency anemia, the most prevalent type of anemia.

Normal Iron Levels:

Maintaining optimal iron levels is crucial for health and daily functioning. A blood test can determine the body's iron content.

Normal Hemoglobin Levels:

• Adults: Males: 13.5 – 17 g/dl, Females: 12 – 15 g/dl
• During Pregnancy: 11 – 12 g/dl
• Children: 11-16 g/dl

Checking for Anemia:

To confirm iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may recommend blood tests, including:

• Hemoglobin: A key RBC component, its levels reflect iron status.
• RBC Size and Color: Iron-deficient RBCs appear smaller and paler.
• Ferritin: This protein's low levels suggest iron deficiency.
• Hematocrit: Normal ranges are 35.5 – 44.9% for adult women and 38.3 – 48.6% for adult men.

Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency:

1. Fatigue or Tiredness: 

Fatigue is the most common symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, and a reduced hemoglobin supply means lower oxygen levels in the body.

This oxygen deprivation in tissues and muscles leads to diminished energy levels and fatigue. The heart must work harder to maintain normal bodily functions due to the low oxygen levels.

It's crucial to distinguish between tiredness from a busy lifestyle and that caused by iron deficiency anemia.

2. Paleness:

You may have noticed a doctor checking your lower eyelids during an examination. They are assessing the color of the inner eyelid, which should be red due to hemoglobin in the blood.

A hemoglobin deficiency can turn the color to a pale pink or yellow. This paleness can also appear on the face, gums, and nails and is a sign of moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia.

3. Shortness of Breath: 

Individuals with iron deficiency anemia often lack sufficient oxygen. This can make it challenging to breathe during everyday activities like walking or climbing stairs.

Frequent breathlessness during routine tasks may indicate iron deficiency anemia.

4. Headache and Dizziness:

A reduced oxygen supply to the brain's blood vessels can cause them to swell, leading to pressure that manifests as headaches and dizziness.

5. Increased Heart Rate:

Low oxygen levels in the body can cause the heart to work harder, leading to irregular heartbeats, known as palpitations. In severe cases, this may result in an enlarged heart and heart failure.

6. Dry Hair and Skin:

Lack of oxygen can leave hair and skin dry and fragile. While some hair loss is normal, excessive shedding may be a sign of severe iron deficiency anemia.

7. Changes in Mouth and Tongue:

A deficiency in hemoglobin and myoglobin can cause the tongue to swell and become sore. A pale, swollen, and inflamed tongue may indicate low red blood cell count. The mouth and tongue may also become sore and smooth, with dryness and red cracks at the corners of the mouth being common symptoms.

8. Restless Leg Syndrome: 

Individuals with iron deficiency anemia often feel a compelling need to move their legs while resting, accompanied by unpleasant sensations, sometimes with itching, in the feet and legs. These symptoms tend to worsen at night, disrupting sleep.

9. Brittle Nails:

As iron deficiency anemia advances, nails may become brittle, prone to cracking and chipping. In severe cases, nails can even take on a spoon shape.

10. Anxiousness:

Individuals with iron deficiency often experience anxiety and confusion. These symptoms typically improve as iron levels are corrected.

Other symptoms of iron deficiency can include cold hands and feet, unusual food cravings, and difficulty concentrating. Those with anemia may also have a weakened immune system, making them more susceptible to infections.

Foods Rich in Iron for Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Egg yolks are among the top sources of both heme and non-heme iron components of hemoglobin.

Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, and legumes like soybeans, lentils, black beans, and capsicum, are beneficial.

Oysters and mussels not only provide iron but also contain selenium, zinc, and Vitamin B12, making this seafood a superb source of iron.

Lean meat is a commonly consumed and rich source of iron that the body can readily absorb.

Dried fruits, including raisins and apricots, are good options.

Iron-fortified pasta, grains, rice, and cereals are also recommended.

Foods for Anemia:

Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent type of anemia characterized by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and dryness of hair and skin, along with swelling and soreness in the mouth and tongue. It can be addressed by consuming lean meats, egg yolks, green leafy vegetables, seafood, and iron-enriched foods.

Source: righthomeremedies.com