In my practice, I work with many patients who have iron deficiency anemia (IDA). Iron deficiency can happen for various reasons and may result in reduced oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues. Diagnosing IDA involves testing and analyzing a blood sample to check iron levels.
Iron deficiency anemia can present with a variety of symptoms including:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Restless legs
- Dizziness
- Cold intolerance
- Abnormalities including the skin/hair/nails
- Pica (which is cravings of some substances without nutrients such as ice)
Iron deficiency can be caused by factors including:
- Blood loss: I see this a lot in my female patients with regards to menstruation. Bleeding in the GI tract from issues like ulcers may contribute. Surgery or traumatic events can also contribute
- Dietary intake lacking iron
- Absorption issues: GI issues like Crohn’s disease or surgeries like bariatic surgeries can contribute to IDA
- Dilutional or increased need for iron: pregnancy for example can lead to increased blood volume and diluting out of iron so though it may not be exactly deficient treatments might still be necessary
- Other: medical conditions like kidney diseases and GI cancers can contribute to anemia
Treatment of iron-deficiency anemia can involve:
- Treatment of underlying causes of IDA: menstrual issues, GI issues, or bleeding that might be contributing to iron-deficiency should be treated
- Consumption of iron-rich diet: foods like leafy greens (spinach, kale), lean meats
- Supplementation of iron: can be oral or IV forms
- Blood transfusions: in the event of profound IDA, some individuals may need blood transfusion
If you suspect you may have iron-deficiency anemia or are looking to improve your overall health, don’t hesitate to contact our Clinton Township office to schedule an appointment with me, Maria Swetech. Please note that the information in this blog is not intended as official medical advice. However, if you’re seeking a new family medicine physician, we would be honored to support you on your health journey.
