HEALTH GUIDE INDEX / A / ANEMIA, IRON-DEFICIENCY

BASIC INFORMATION

DESCRIPTION

A decreased number of circulating blood cells or insufficient hemoglobin in the cells. Anemia is a result of other disorders. For proper treatment, the cause must be found.

FREQUENT SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

  • Initially there may be no symptoms.
    • Signs of pronounced anemia include:
    • Tiredness and weakness.
    • Paleness, especially in the hands and lining of the lower eyelids.
    Less common signs include:
    • Tongue inflammation.
    • Fainting.
    • Breathlessness.
    • Rapid heartbeat.
    • Appetite loss.
    • Abdominal discomfort.
    • Cravings for ice, paint or dirt.
    • Susceptibility to infection.

    CAUSES

    Decreased absorption of iron or increased need for iron. Causes in adolescents and adults:
  • Rapid growth spurts.
  • Heavy menstrual bleeding.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Malabsorption.
  • Gastrointestinal disease with bleeding, including cancer.

    • RISK INCREASES WITH

  • Poor nutrition.
  • Age over 60.
  • Recent illness, such as an ulcer, diverticulitis, colitis, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal tumors.

    • PREVENTIVE MEASURES

  • Maintain an adequate iron intake through a well-balanced diet or iron supplements.
  • Correction of gynecologic or other problems causing excess blood loss.

    • EXPECTED OUTCOMES

    Usually curable with iron supplements if the underlying cause can be identified and cured.

    POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS

  • Failure to diagnose a bleeding malignancy.
  • Angina pectoris (pain or pressure beneath the breastbone caused by inadequate blood supply to the heart) or congestive heart failure (pumping action of the heart is insufficient) may develop as a result of marked iron deficiency.

    • TREATMENT

    GENERAL MEASURES

  • The most important part of treatment for iron-deficiency anemia is to correct the underlying cause. Iron deficiency can be treated well with iron supplements.
  • Avoid risk of infections.
  • Additional information is available from the National Heart, Lung & Blood Institute, Communications & Public Information Branch, National Institutes of Health, Building 31, Room 41-21, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892.

    • MEDICATIONS

    Iron supplements:
  • Take iron on an empty stomach (at least 1/2 hour before meals) for best absorption. If it upsets your stomach, you may take it with a small amount of food (except milk).
  • If you take other medications, wait at least 2 hours after taking iron before taking them. Antacids and tetracyclines especially interfere with iron absorption.
  • Iron supplements may cause black bowel movements, diarrhea or constipation.
  • Continue iron supplements until 2 to 3 months after blood tests return to normal.
  • Too much iron is dangerous. A bottle of iron tablets can poison a child. Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.

    • ACTIVITY

    No restrictions. You may need to pace activities until symptoms of fatigue are gone.

    DIET

  • Adults should limit milk to 1 pint a day. It interferes with iron absorption.
  • Eat iron-containing foods, including meat, beans and leafy green vegetables.
  • Increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation.

    • NOTIFY YOUR PHYSICIAN IF

  • You or a family member has symptoms of anemia.
  • Nausea, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, severe diarrhea or constipation occur during treatment.
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