By Julia Sprinkle, BS, LPN, CRC, Mid-Illinois Hematology & Oncology
Anemia is the most common blood disorder, affecting 3.5 million Americans annually. Anemia occurs when you do not have enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body, most importantly to the organs. If the organs do not have enough oxygen to function properly, then symptoms begin to manifest.
There are several types of anemia; iron deficiency anemia is the most common type. The demographics most at risk of developing this type of anemia are infants, young children, and women. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not produce enough iron. Iron is essential in the making of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin carries oxygen to your body’s tissues. Without enough iron in the blood stream, the body cannot get the oxygen it needs. The body may begin using what iron it has stored, and once this iron gets used up, the body makes fewer red blood cells, resulting in a lack of hemoglobin to carry the oxygen.
Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can vary from person to person. The most common symptom is fatigue. Shortness of breath is also typical because there is not enough oxygen going to the lungs. Other symptoms include dizziness, headache, pale skin, weakness, brittle nails, cold hands and feet, and a sore tongue. Craving unusual items such as ice, clay, and dirt can also indicate iron deficiency anemia.
Diagnosing this type of anemia is usually simple. Lab tests such as a complete blood count and iron panel can provide the answer. The hematocrit and hemoglobin in the complete blood count are usually low, indicating a low percentage of red blood cell volume and low hemoglobin levels.
Causes of low iron levels include blood loss, inability to absorb enough iron, pregnancy, and poor nutrition. Blood loss can be from long or heavy menstrual cycles, internal bleeding, and loss of blood from injuries or surgery.
Improper absorption of iron may be caused by intestinal surgeries and intestinal diseases, such as gastric bypass surgery and Crohn’s or celiac disease. Pregnancy can also be a cause of iron deficiency anemia because greater iron stores are needed for the increased blood volume to support the pregnancy.
Finding the cause of iron deficiency anemia can be the tricky part. Tests can include endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasound. These tests can check for sources of internal bleeding which may be a cause if all other risk factors have been eliminated.
Poor nutrition or dietary choices can lead to iron deficiency anemia as well. Vegetarians should include a variety of beans and dark-green, leafy vegetables to ensure that good sources of iron are part of daily meals. It is well known that red meat, seafood, and poultry are good sources of iron and should be part of a healthy diet to insure proper iron levels.
Taking iron tablets is usually the treatment of choice for iron deficiency anemia, although it takes time for the iron deficiency to correct itself. It may take several months for the iron stores to be replenished. Iron tablets should be taken on an empty stomach, and taking them with vitamin C can help with the absorption of the iron. Drinking orange juice or taking a vitamin C supplement along with the iron is recommended.
If the iron deficiency is severe, then an iron infusion or blood transfusion may be needed. Sometimes treating the underlying cause of the iron deficiency anemia is also required. Taking an antacid to help with ulcers or an oral contraceptive to lighten menstrual flow may be recommended.
Working with your healthcare team to manage iron deficiency anemia is imperative. Sometimes primary care physicians will refer patients to a hematologist to manage this type of anemia. Hematologists are doctors that specialize in disorders and diseases of the blood.
Mid-Illinois Hematology & Oncology Associates, Ltd. currently has a clinical trial for patients with iron deficiency anemia and cancer. Please contact Julia at 309-451-2207 or julia.janzen@mihoaonline.org for further information
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