Iron Infusion

Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough of the mineral iron and so it cannot produce enough healthy oxygen-carrying red blood cells. Iron is required by the body to make haemoglobin which is the protein in your red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the tissues. Having low haemoglobin means your body cannot get the amount of oxygen it needs.

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Many people may not even notice the symptoms of mild anaemia until they have a routine blood test. Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia include:

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• General fatigue

• Weakness

• Fast heartbeat, chest pain or shortness of breath

• Brittle nails

• Pale skin

• Infants and children may have a poor appetite

• Cold hands and feet

• May have cravings for unhealthy substances such as ice, dirt or starch

 

Iron deficiency anaemia is one of the most common causes of anaemia. Many factors contribute to the development of iron deficiency anaemia, they include: 

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• Poor oral iron intake (examples of iron-rich foods are meat, eggs and some green leafy vegetables)

• Blood loss due to menstruation or pregnancy

• Inability to absorb iron (this happens when you are affected by certain disorders like celiac disease or from surgeries that affect the intestines such as gastric bypass)

• Internal bleeding in the body from medical conditions such as stomach ulcers, colon polyps or colon cancer. ​
   

​Iron deficiency anaemia can occur in any age group. Particularly women of childbearing age, pregnant women, people who don’t eat foods rich in iron and children especially those born prematurely may be at greater risk.

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Iron deficiency anaemia is diagnosed with a blood test. Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Iron tablets may be prescribed to help improve the iron levels in the body. Your Doctor might suggest taking iron tablets with a source of vitamin C as it helps the body to absorb iron. An iron infusion may be recommended if tablets are ineffective or if a person develops side effects. Other treatment options include birth control pills in women to control blood loss from heavy menstrual bleeding, eating a healthy diet rich in iron-containing foods and most severe cases may need a blood transfusion.