Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)

What is Anaemia?

Anaemia occurs when the body lacks enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to its tissues. Red blood cells contain a protein called haemoglobin, which binds to oxygen in the lungs and brings it to the body's cells and tissues.

Without enough red blood cells or haemoglobin, your body's cells and tissues can't function properly, which can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and headaches. 

What Is Iron Deficiency?

Iron deficiency causes approximately half of all anaemia cases worldwide and affects women more often than men. World estimates of iron deficiency occurrence are vague, but the actual number exceeds one billion people. This can result if:

• The body does not make enough red blood cells
• Bleeding causes the loss of red blood cells more quickly than they can be replaced.

How Does Anaemia Impact Your Anatomy and Health?

Iron deficiency anaemia can impact your health in several ways. Without enough oxygen, your body's cells and tissues can't function properly. As a result, you may feel weak, tired, and short of breath. Anaemia can cause headaches, dizziness, pale skin, brittle nails, and chest pain.

Am I At Risk of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency is prevalent, especially among women and people with low-iron diets. The following groups of people are at the highest risk for iron deficiency anaemia:

• Women who menstruate, mainly if menstrual periods are heavy
• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding or those who have recently given birth
• People who have undergone major surgery
• People with gastrointestinal diseases such as Coeliac Disease, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s Disease
• People with peptic ulcer disease
• People who have undergone bariatric procedures, especially gastric bypass operations
• Vegetarians, vegans, and other people whose diets do not include iron-rich foods (Iron from vegetables, even those that are iron-rich, is not absorbed, as well as iron from meat, poultry, and fish.)
• People with undiagnosed cancer

What are the Causes of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

A lack of iron in your diet or blood loss usually causes iron deficiency anaemia. Common causes of iron deficiency anaemia include:

• Inadequate iron intake: Your body needs iron to make haemoglobin, so if you don't get enough iron in your diet, you may develop iron deficiency anaemia.
• Blood loss: Blood loss from heavy periods, childbirth, surgery, or a bleeding ulcer can cause iron deficiency anaemia.
• Pregnancy: Pregnancy increases your body's demand for iron, so if you don't get enough iron from your diet, you may develop iron deficiency anaemia.
• Malabsorption: Your body needs to absorb iron from the food you eat to use it to produce haemoglobin. Suppose you have a condition that affects your ability to absorb nutrients from your digestive tract, such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease. You may be at higher risk for iron deficiency anaemia in that case.
• Surgery: Surgery can cause blood loss, leading to iron deficiency anaemia if your body can't quickly replace the lost iron.
• Medications: Certain medications, such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), can increase your risk of gastrointestinal bleeding, leading to iron deficiency anaemia.
• Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as cancer, kidney disease, or heart failure, can increase your risk of developing iron deficiency anaemia.

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Many people with iron deficiency anaemia will only have a few signs or symptoms. The severity of these symptoms largely depends on how quickly your anaemia develops. You may only notice a few symptoms, or they may develop gradually if a long-term problem, such as a stomach ulcer, causes your anaemia.

The most common symptoms include:

• tiredness and lethargy
• weakness
• shortness of breath
• heart palpitations (noticeable heartbeat)
• a pale complexion

Less common symptoms include:

• headache
• tinnitus (hearing sounds coming from inside the body rather than from an outside source)
• Mood change and irritability
• an altered sense of taste
• frequent infections
• feeling itchy, cold hands and feet
• a sore or abnormally smooth tongue
• hair loss
• painful ulcers (open sores) on the corners of your mouth
• spoon-shaped and brittle nails

What are the Stages of Iron Deficiency Anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia is typically classified into three stages based on the severity of the condition:

• Mild: In the mild stage, your haemoglobin levels are slightly lower than normal, but you may not experience any symptoms.
• Moderate: In the moderate stage, your haemoglobin levels are lower, and you may experience symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
• Severe: In the severe stage, your haemoglobin levels are significantly lower, and you may experience more severe symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, and fainting.

How is Iron Deficiency Anaemia Diagnosed?

If you're experiencing symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia, your doctor may recommend the following tests to diagnose the condition:

• Blood tests: Blood tests can measure your haemoglobin levels and the number and size of your red blood cells.
• Iron studies: Iron studies can measure the amount of iron in your blood and how well your body is using that iron.
• Faecal occult blood test: This test checks for blood in your stool, which can indicate a source of blood loss in your digestive tract.
• Endoscopy: Endoscopy can be used to visually inspect your digestive tract for signs of bleeding or other abnormalities.

How can Iron Deficiency Anaemia be Treated?

The treatment for iron deficiency anaemia depends on the cause and severity of your condition. Treatment options include:

• Iron supplements: Iron supplements can help replace the iron your body lacks. Your doctor may recommend oral supplements or injections.
• Dietary changes: An iron-rich diet can help prevent and treat iron deficiency anaemia. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and leafy green vegetables.
• Transfusions: In severe cases of iron deficiency anaemia, a blood or iron transfusion may be necessary to quickly increase the red blood cell count.
• Treat underlying conditions: If your iron deficiency anaemia is caused by an underlying condition, such as a gastrointestinal disorder, treating that condition may be necessary to improve your iron levels.

What if Iron Deficiency Anaemia is Untreated?

If left untreated, iron deficiency anaemia can lead to severe complications, including:

• Rapid or irregular heartbeat
• Enlarged heart
• Heart failure
• Pregnancy complications
• Delayed growth and development in children
• Increased risk of infections
• Increased risk of depression and anxiety

You must seek medical attention if you suspect you have iron deficiency anaemia. Proper diagnosis and treatment can improve your iron levels and reduce your risk of complications.