overview
Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia – a condition in which the blood lacks healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues in the body.
As the name suggests, iron deficiency anemia is caused by insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body cannot make enough of the substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin). As a result, iron deficiency anemia can make you tired and short of breath.
symptoms
Initially, iron deficiency anemia can be so mild that it goes unnoticed. But as the body becomes more iron deficient and the anemia worsens, the signs and symptoms worsen.
Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Weakness
- Pale skin
The reasons
Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to make hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells that gives blood its red color and allows red blood cells to carry oxygenated blood around your body.
If you don’t get enough iron or lose too much iron, your body can’t make enough hemoglobin and eventually iron deficiency anemia will develop. Iron deficiency anemia Treatment in Khammam
Risk factors
These groups of people may be at increased risk for iron deficiency anemia:
- Women. Because women lose blood during menstruation, women are generally at greater risk of iron deficiency anemia.
- Infants and children. Infants, especially those of low birth weight or premature birth who do not get enough iron from breast milk or formula, may be at risk of iron deficiency. Children need more iron during growth spurts. If your child does not have a healthy and varied diet, there is a risk of anemia.
- Vegetarian. People who don’t eat meat are more likely to develop iron deficiency anemia if they don’t eat other foods rich in iron. Iron deficiency anemia Treatment in Khammam
Complications
Mild iron deficiency anemia does not usually cause complications. However, if left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following:
- Heart problems. Iron deficiency anemia can cause a fast or irregular heartbeat. Your heart needs to pump more blood to make up for the lack of oxygen in your blood when you are anemic. This can lead to an enlarged heart or heart failure.
- Problems During Pregnancy. In pregnant women, severe iron deficiency anemia has been linked to premature births and babies of low birth weight. However, the condition is preventable in pregnant women who are taking iron supplements as part of their prenatal care.
prevention
You can lower your risk of iron deficiency anemia by choosing foods rich in iron.