What is anemia?
Anemia is a common pathological condition. According to doctors, iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia in clinical practice.
As the name implies, iron deficiency anemia is due to insufficient iron. Without enough iron, your body can't produce enough of a substance in red blood cells that enables them to carry oxygen (hemoglobin).
Causes:
- Blood loss.
- A lack of iron in your diet. Your body regularly gets iron from the foods you eat.
- An inability to absorb iron.
- Pregnancy.
Risk factors
These groups of people may have an increased risk of iron deficiency anemia: women, infants and children and vegetarians.
Complications
Mild iron deficiency anemia usually doesn't cause complications.
However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems.
Including the following:
- Heart problems.
- Problems during pregnancy.
- Growth problems.
Diagnosis
To diagnose iron deficiency anemia, your doctor may run tests to look for:
- Feritin
- Hemoglobin
- Hematocrit
- Red blood cell size and color.
More examinations may be needed.
Source:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/iron-deficiency-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355034
