## Iron-Deficiency Anemia: An Overview
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition characterized by a lack of iron in the body, leading to reduced production of red blood cells.
### Symptoms
Iron deficiency can manifest with various symptoms, including:
– Fatigue and weakness
– Pale skin
– Brittle nails
– Shortness of breath
– Heart palpitations
– Restless legs syndrome
### Diagnosis
Diagnosing iron-deficiency anemia involves:
– **Blood test:** Assessing hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration
– **Bone marrow biopsy:** Examining the bone marrow for signs of iron deficiency
### Causes
Iron deficiency can arise from:
– **Insufficient dietary intake:** Diets low in iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, fish, beans)
– **Gastrointestinal bleeding:** Blood loss through the gastrointestinal tract, such as ulcers or hemorrhoids
– **Menstrual bleeding:** Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods in women
– **Pregnancy:** Increased iron requirements during pregnancy
### Prevention
Preventing iron deficiency involves:
– Consuming a balanced diet rich in iron
– Taking iron supplements if necessary during pregnancy or heavy menstrual bleeding
### Treatment
Treatment options include:
– **Iron supplements:** Oral or intravenous administration of iron
– **Blood transfusions:** In severe cases of anemia
– **Bone marrow transplant:** For rare cases of erythroblastopenia
### Complications
Untreated iron-deficiency anemia can lead to:
– **Cardiovascular problems:** Heart failure or irregular heart rhythm
– **Pregnancy complications:** Premature birth or low birth weight
– **Neurological problems:** Developmental delays or cognitive impairment
### Related Terms
– **Body Parts:** Bone marrow, gastrointestinal tract, liver, spleen
– **Conditions:** Anemia, erythroblastopenia, hypochromia, microcytosis, sideropenia
– **Symptoms:** Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, brittle nails, shortness of breath, heart palpitations
– **Procedures:** Blood test, bone marrow biopsy, endoscopy, gastroscopy, colonoscopy
– **Vaccinations:** None
– **Related Terms:** Hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, erythropoietin, ferritin, transferrin
