Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatments.

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. It is a type of anemia where the patient lacks healthy red blood cells. The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen to your body tissues. Without enough iron, your body cannot produce enough hemoglobin, a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen. This causes symptoms like shortness of breath and fatigue. Usually, simple treatments like iron supplements can help solve the issue of iron deficiency, other cases may require additional tests and supplementation. 

It is important to note the difference between Iron Deficiency and Iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency (ID) is a decrease in the total supply of iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia is when ID becomes so severe that it disrupts the body’s process of making red blood cells (erythropoiesis). 

Approximately over 1.2 billion people have iron deficiency anemia, and even more people have iron deficiency.  According to the WHO, around 30% of the world's population have iron deficiency anemia making it the most common type of anemia. 

Let’s take a deeper dive into the causes, symptoms, and treatments of iron deficiency anemia. 

Causes of iron deficiency anemia

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and how is it diagnosed

Treatments for iron deficiency anemia

Causes of Iron deficiency anemia:

There are several causes of iron deficiency anemia but they can be broken down into 3 main causes. Blood loss, problems with absorbing iron, and other related medical conditions. 

Blood loss can cause iron deficiency anemia because as you lose blood you also lose iron. Blood loss can happen in many different ways. Bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract can cause blood loss. Bleeding in your GI tract can be caused by colon cancer or other diseases and disorders such as ulcers. Regular use of aspirin or drugs like ibuprofen can also cause GI tract bleeding.  Traumatic injuries, surgeries, heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding during childbirth, and urinary tract bleeding all cause blood loss which can in turn cause Iron deficiency anemia. 

Some certain conditions and medicines can lead to problems with absorbing iron. Certain genetic conditions can hinder your intestines from absorbing iron properly. Athletes can also experience IDA because of endurance sports which can lead to loss of iron through the GI tracts and breaking down of red blood cells. Intestinal and digestive conditions such as Crohn’s disease also cause problems with absorbing iron. In addition to that, surgeries on your stomach and intestines such as weight loss surgeries can affect your ability to absorb iron. 

Other medical conditions kidney diseases and conditions that lead to inflammation, such as heart failure and obesity can hinder your body’s ability to regulate iron levels. 

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia and how is it diagnosed:

There are many symptoms and signs of IDA, all of which are related to decreased oxygen delivery. The most common symptoms are unexplained fatigue, lack of energy, general weakness, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, brittle nails, hair loss, headaches, especially with activity, and finally a craving for ice or clay. 

Iron deficiency anemia is diagnosed through blood tests which include a complete blood count. The results of the blood tests usually include low hemoglobin, low mean cellular volume, and low iron saturation among other things. A blood smear will also show small oval-shaped cells with pale centers. In severe cases, there will be a decrease in white blood cells, too. 

Treatments for iron deficiency anemia: 

Thankfully there are many ways to treat the many causes of iron deficiency anemia. The most simple treatment is taking iron pills. These pills can restore iron levels in your blood in about 3 to 6 months. It is best to consult a doctor before taking iron pills especially if you are pregnant. Iron pills may have some side effects such as a bad metallic taste, vomiting,  upset stomach,  constipation, or diarrhea.  IV iron or intravenous iron is another treatment option that is usually used for more severe cases or patients with other long-term conditions. IV iron is put directly into your veins and only takes a few sessions before iron levels are restored. Common side effects can include vomiting and headaches but they usually go away after a few days. 

Medicines such as ESA can help your bone marrow produce more red blood cells if that is the cause of your anemia. This treatment option is usually given to people who have both IDA and other long-term medical conditions such as kidney diseases. 

Blood transfusion is also another treatment option for more severe anemia cases. As well as surgeries that stop internal bleeding if that is the cause of your anemia.