Iron deficiency anemia

Diagnosis

Blood tests are used to diagnose iron deficiency anemia. The tests aim to analyze the following:

• Red blood cell size and color: The quality of the red blood cells can help confirm the condition. The red blood cells of people with iron deficiency anemia will appear to be pale rather than bright red, and they will be smaller than usual.
• Hematocrit: Although may differ based on age, normal levels for adult women range between 35.5 and 44.9 percent, while adult men range between 38.3 and 48.6 percent. This is the proportion of the blood volume that is made up of red blood cells.
• Hemoglobin: The typical hemoglobin range for women is 11.6 to 15 g/dL and 13.2 to 16.6 g of hemoglobin per deciliter (dL) of blood for men. Anemia is defined by hemoglobin levels that are lower than usual.
• Ferritin: When ferritin levels are low, it typically indicates a deficiency in stored iron, as ferritin is a protein that stores iron.

Other diagnostic tests

People diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia may be required for further tests to determine the cause or rule out other causes of the condition. In some cases, these tests may be requested following a trial period of iron supplementation treatment.

• Endoscopy: The procedure requires the used of a small, illuminated tube with a video camera is inserted through the neck and into the stomach, which enables the doctor to examine the stomach for signs of bleeding. Endoscopy is frequently used to look for bleeding from a hiatal hernia, an ulcer, or the stomach.
• Colonoscopy: A colonoscopy helps the doctor to check inside the colon and rectum to see if there is any internal bleeding. During the procedure, a narrow, flexible video camera-equipped tube is placed into the rectum and is guided to the colon. The patient may be put under general anesthesia or conscious sedation during the process.
• Ultrasound: Causal factors of heavy monthly menstruation, such as uterine fibroids may be identified through a pelvic ultrasound.

Treatment

When a person suffers from iron-deficiency anemia, it is usually due to blood loss or insufficient absorption of iron from their diet. The treatment for this condition involves diagnosing and addressing the underlying cause while also addressing the iron deficiency. To restore iron levels, doctors often prescribe iron supplements, which can be taken orally in pill form or administered intravenously. If deemed necessary, the doctor will address the underlying cause of your iron deficiency as part of the treatment plan.

• Iron supplements: Iron supplements prevents and treats iron deficiency in the body. The doctor will determine the appropriate dose for an individual. To replace the body’s iron levels, over-the-counter iron supplements may be prescribed.

Iron deficiency does not resolve overnight. It can take three to six weeks for iron supplements to start increasing the body’s iron reserves. The doctor will check the iron levels and notify the patient when they have improved. Even so, they may still advise to take iron supplements for at least six months to allow the body to recover its iron stores. Normally, patients should begin to feel better after a week or so of taking iron supplements.

Iron is commonly available in tablet form. It is also accessible in liquid form for newborns and children. To increase the likelihood that the body will absorb the iron in the tablets, the doctor may advise:

• • Taking iron tablets on an empty stomach. It is recommended to take iron supplements first thing in the morning on an empty stomach for better absorption. In cases where individuals are unable to tolerate iron supplements, it may be recommended to take the supplement with or shortly after a meal to minimize the likelihood of experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort.
  • Not taking iron with antacids. Iron should be taken two hours before or four hours after taking antacids. Medications that provide rapid relief from heartburn symptoms may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron.
  • Taking iron tablets with vitamin C. The doctor may advise taking iron supplements with a vitamin C supplement or a glass of orange juice. Vitamin C is known to increase the amount of iron that the body absorbs.

Iron may cause the stools to become black, which is a completely safe side effect. Since iron supplements might also induce constipation, the doctor may prescribe a stool softener to remedy this.

It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and avoid taking iron supplements for a longer duration than recommended. Prolonged use can cause a buildup of excess iron in the body, which can lead to serious complications.

Treating underlying causes of iron deficiency: Iron-deficiency anemia may be caused by internal bleeding or a problem with iron absorption. If the anemia persists despite iron supplementation, the doctor may need to modify the treatment plan based on the underlying cause. This could include additional medications or even surgical intervention.

If the anemia is caused by a bleeding polyp, a tumor or a fibroid, a surgery to remove it may be necessary. Patients with peptic ulcers may be prescribe antibiotics and other drugs to manage the condition. Women with heavy monthly periods may be advised to take oral contraceptives to reduce menstrual flow.

Severe cases of iron deficiency anemia may require intravenous iron or blood transfusions to immediately restore iron and hemoglobin.