Covid-19 GI Doctors Update
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
The causes of iron deficiency anaemia are from insufficient iron intake,
insufficient absorption or excess iron loss, most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract.
insufficient absorption or excess iron loss, most commonly in the gastrointestinal tract.
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
The symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia are often vague and difficult to recognise.
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.
Diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia
The initial diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is made via a simple blood test to measure blood count and iron levels. This can be done at any time of the day and does not need to be while fasting.
The initial diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia is made using a simple blood test to measure blood count and iron levels. This can be done at any time of the day and does not need fasting. When iron deficiency anaemia diagnosis is established, your consultant will take you through further specialist such as endoscopies (gastroscopy and colonoscopy), as well as the potential for further blood test, X-rays and small bowel capsule endoscopy.
Iron deficiency anaemia treatment
The treatment for iron deficiency anaemia is to replace iron orally or via intravenous route,
while treating the underlying cause to prevent it from reoccurring.
Our specialists in this area
Your health is our goal
Whether your gastrointestinal symptoms started recently or are long-standing, our specialists can help diagnose and manage your condition. Please contact us to arrange a consultation with one of our specialist team. A consultation with a specialist to discuss the necessary diagnostic tests is the first step.
