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Iron-Deficiency Anemia
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Iron-deficiency anemia develops when the amount of iron
in your blood is insufficient to make hemoglobin, the substance
in red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to the
rest of your body. There are many other forms of anemia, all
involving a shortage of red blood cells, but iron-deficiency
anemia is the most common. The problem is seen most frequently
in women, children, and older adults.
Causes
The most common cause is hidden bleeding somewhere in the
digestive tract---mouth, esophagus, stomach, or intestines. You
may also develop this condition if:
-
Your kidneys are not working
normally.
-
You have had surgery to
remove part of your stomach.
-
You eat too few iron-rich
foods such as green leafy vegetables, beans, red meat, and
liver.
-
You follow an unbalanced,
inadequate weight-loss diet.
Woman are more likely to develop iron-deficiency anemia
during pregnancy and menstruation. The problem is also more
common in premature babies, and in children aged 6 months to 2
years, who are likely to have little iron in their diet. The
condition remains a possibility from ages 3 to 12, when rapid
growth sparks increased demand for iron.
Signs/Symptoms
During the early stages of anemia symptoms may be
lacking; and when they do appear they may be vague and
confusing. Among the typical symptoms are abdominal pain,
coldness, dizziness, fainting, fatigue, headache, inability to
think clearly, irritability, loss of appetite, pale blue whites
of the eyes, pale skin, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath
during exercise, and weakness. Specific signs of iron
deficiency include a strong desire to eat ice, paint, or dirt,
and fingernails or toenails that break
easily.
Care
To correct the problem, it's important to learn the
cause. If blood loss is the underlying problem, your doctor
will want to determine where and why you're bleeding. If you
are not eating enough iron-rich foods, you'll need to add them
to your diet, and perhaps start taking iron pills. If your baby
has anemia, an iron-fortified formula may be needed. Sometimes
a blood transfusion is necessary.
WHAT YOU SHOULD
DO
-
If your doctor prescribes
iron pills, take them with a glass of water or fruit juice
(but not milk) at least 30 minutes before eating. If the
pills upset your stomach, try taking them with a small
amount of food. Don't take the pills at bedtime; this can
cause stomach upset.
-
Your doctor may also suggest
taking vitamin C, which helps the body absorb
iron.
-
After taking your iron, wait
at least 2 hours before taking other medicines. Some drugs
interfere with absorption of iron.
-
Liquid iron preparations may
stain the teeth. Mix the liquid with water or fruit juice
and take it through a straw. Then brush your
teeth.
-
You should be aware that iron
can turn bowel movements dark green or black, and may cause
diarrhea or constipation. If constipation develops, try to
eat more high-fiber foods such as beans, vegetables, and
whole grain breads and cereals. Prune juice may also
help---and also serves as an excellent source of
iron.
-
Keep iron away from children.
An overdose can be poisonous.
-
The body absorbs only a small
amount of the iron in food. Red meat is the best source.
Other iron-rich foods include:
-
-
Beans (lima, kidney,
chickpeas, lentils)
-
Blackstrap
molasses
-
Dried fruits (prunes,
raisins, apricots)
-
Green leafy vegetables
(spinach and broccoli)
-
Nuts
-
Whole-grain foods (bread
and cereals)
-
Do not drink more than 1 pint
(16 ounces) of milk a day while taking iron medicine. Any
more than this will keep the iron from being absorbed by
your body. Other foods that prevent absorption are coffee,
tea, egg yolks, and yogurt.
Call Your Doctor
If...
-
You develop heartburn,
constipation, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
-
You feel weak or
dizzy.
-
You have a
fever.
Seek Care Immediately
If...
-
You develop chest pain or
breathing problems.
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