Iron deficiency anemia is a hematological syndrome characterized by a decrease in hemoglobin and erythrocytes in the blood. In most cases, iron deficiency anemia, the symptoms of which differ depending on the individual case, is one of the manifestations of the underlying disease. It is a fairly common disease, and doctors say that its main causes are blood loss, insufficiently rapid formation of red blood cells or their destruction.
What is iron deficiency anemia?
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia appear as a result of a decrease in iron stores in the human body. It occurs with chronic blood loss, as well as in cases where insufficient amounts of iron are supplied with food, and it is an indispensable element that takes part in the functioning of various systems.human body. Iron is involved in the processes of tissue respiration, is found in compounds such as hemoproteins, enzymes of the non-heme group.
Causes of anemia
The most common causes of this condition include iron loss during bleeding (various surgical interventions, hemorrhoids, wounds), poor absorption of this element, increased need for it (for example, during pregnancy, breastfeeding or intense sports), insufficient intake of the substance in the body with food. Doctors strongly recommend including iron-rich foods in your diet to avoid disease.
What happens when iron deficiency anemia occurs?
Symptoms can vary widely. In most cases, patients report weakness, dizziness, malaise, reduced performance. Among the possible manifestations, there is also a perversion of taste, tingling in the mouth, dryness of the tongue, impaired swallowing reflex, increased heart rate, and shortness of breath. When diagnosed in a clinical setting, the following can also be detected: dry hair and skin, atrophy of the papillae of the tongue, cheilitis, etc.
Iron deficiency anemia often occurs in children, even more often in adults. If you feel general weakness, get tired very quickly, it is difficult for you to concentrate, take a blood test, you may have this particular disease. In general, complaints and the level of manifestation of symptoms depend onon the amount of hemoglobin and the degree of its decrease, as well as on the duration of the disease and the age of the patient. If you have iron deficiency anemia, symptoms such as a pale complexion, brittle hair, and muscle weakness are not long in coming. Be vigilant, monitor the state of your body.
When a doctor diagnoses iron deficiency anemia, the symptoms of the disease may be manifestations of a more serious illness. It is important to determine the cause of this condition and eliminate it.
Iron deficiency anemia: treatment, drugs
The treatment of the disease is complex. It is aimed at both eliminating iron deficiency and replenishing its reserves. The treatment program usually includes elimination of the cause of anemia, special nutrition, iron therapy, and preventive measures. Absolutely different iron-containing preparations are prescribed, the choice of which is carried out exclusively by the attending physician and differs in each case.
