Iron Deficiency Anemia

Blood Test - Iron Deficiency Anemia 

Iron Deficiency anemia - Lack of iron 

Lack of iron will lead to less formation of hemoglobin (part of Red Blood Cells)

Hemoglobin works by binding to oxygen and send to the peripheral tissues and organs.

Symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Weakness, leg cramp
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Cold hands and feets
• inflammation of the tougue & have mouth ulcers
• Poor appetite 
• Brittle nail
• Craving for ice
• Cold intolerance

Causes:

• Blood Lost - heavy menses , GI bleeding eg peptic ulcer, colorectal cancer, colon polyp
• Lack of iron in  the diet - meat, egg, spinach
• Unable to absorb iron - celiac disease, post resection of intestine
• Pregnancy

Risk Factors:

• Female - have menses 
• Baby - not taking breast milk 
• Vegetarian - less source of iron

Complications:

• Heart problem
• Problems during pregnancy 

Diagnosis:

• Microcytic Hypochromic RBCs
• low PCV
• Serum Iron Studies : Low Serum Iron & Ferritin level , elevated TIBC level , high Transferrin level
• High platlet count 
• Stool Occult Blood
• Endoscopy, Colonoscopy, Ultrasound

Treatment:

• Must find out the cause of Iron deficiency anemia 
• Take oral iron tablet with vitamin C (increase absorption)
• Do not take together with antacids, calcium, caffein, milk, tea 
• Iron tablet will cause black stool , feeling better after a week , but need months to replenish the iron in the body 
• TCA to do FBC again after 3 months 

For more information, please whatapps to 017-2822923 Klinik Medilove Kepong