Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron Deficiency Anaemia everything you need to know.
Anaemia is due to reduced blood count (namely haemoglobin inside red blood cells) and commonly caused by reduced iron body stores. Anaemia can also be caused by vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, amongst other causes. When there is a deficiency of iron in the body, finding the cause the underlying cause is paramount. Many of the causes are easily reversible, but in some cases gastrointestinal cancer is the cause. The risk of gastrointestinal cancer increases with age. Early diagnosis allows treatment for cancer and non-cancer causes of iron deficiency.
Causes of iron deficiency anaemia
Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by insufficient iron intake, insufficient absorption or excess iron loss. Most of the causes of iron deficiency are related to the the gastrointestinal tract.
Iron deficiency anaemia is common and is a common reason for endoscopic examination of the gastrointestinal tract.
Insufficient intake is linked with vegetarian and vegan diets, though there are plenty of vegetarian and vegan foods that have iron and we can guide you regarding these.
Limited absorption is caused by conditions that effect the function of the small bowel, such as coeliac disease, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth and Crohn’s disease.
Excess iron loss is caused by slow and often unseen blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract. This can be from fragile blood vessels, polyps, cancer, diverticular, inflammatory bowel disease and haemorrhoids.
Consultation with a specialist, who can conduct the necessary diagnostic tests, is the first step to better understanding your symptoms.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia
They often include generalised tiredness and when there is significant anaemia, shortness of breath and reduced activity tolerance occur.
Anaemia will also adversely effect other conditions such as angina, heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, making their symptoms worse. Visible blood loss may occur and can be spotted in stools and urine.