Iron Deficiency: Symptoms And When To See A Doctor

Có thể bạn quan tâm

Medical News TodaySubscribeWhat are the symptoms of an iron deficiency?Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D. — Written by Aaron Kandola on February 8, 2019

Symptoms
Causes
Diagnosis
Treatment
Seeing a doctor
Summary

Iron deficiency is when there is not enough iron in the blood. Low iron levels can lead to symptoms such as fatigue and dizziness, among many others.

Iron is a mineral that is vital for many bodily functions. It supports the transportation of oxygen in the blood. It is also essential for the correct development and functioning of cells, and the production of some hormones and tissues.

If a person’s iron levels fall too low, it can disrupt these functions and may lead to iron-deficiency anemia. In most cases, this condition is easily treatable.

This article will discuss the symptoms of iron deficiency, as well as when to see a doctor.

Symptoms

Tired fatigue and sad or stressed woman sitting on edge of bed. — Iron-deficiency anemia can cause fatigue and dizziness.

The symptoms of an iron deficiency vary, depending on its severity, as well as a person’s overall health.

For a mild or moderate iron deficiency, a person may not experience any noticeable symptoms.

Sometimes, a lack of iron can lead to iron-deficiency anemia. This is when the body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.

Iron-deficiency anemia can cause symptoms that include:

fatigue
weakness
dizziness
headaches
sensitivity to temperature
cold hands and feet
shortness of breath
chest pain
difficulty concentrating
heart palpitations
restless leg syndrome
cravings for nonfood items, such as ice or dirt

There are also several physical signs of an iron deficiency to look out for, such as:

brittle nails
cracks at the sides of the mouth
hair loss
inflammation of the tongue
abnormally pale or yellow skin
irregular heartbeat or breathing

Causes

Share on Pinterest

Beans are a healthful plant-based source of iron.

Iron deficiencies occur when an insufficient amount of iron is present in the blood.

There are several potential causes for a lack of iron, including the following:

Diet

Iron is in many different types of foods, including fish, fortified cereals, beans, meat, and leafy green vegetables.

The National Institutes of Health recommend that male adults get 8 milligrams (mg) of iron per day and that female adults get 18 mg per day before 50 years of age and 8 mg after that age.

Iron malabsorption

Some medical conditions and medications may prevent the body from absorbing iron properly, even when a person is eating plenty of iron-rich foods.

Conditions that can cause problems with iron absorption include:

intestinal and digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease
gastrointestinal surgery, such as gastric bypass surgery
rare genetic mutations

Blood loss

Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells. It contains most of the body’s iron. For this reason, blood loss can result in iron deficiencies and anemia.

Blood loss can be a result of injury, or too frequent blood tests or donations. But it can also occur with certain conditions or medications, including:

internal bleeding from ulcers or colon cancer
regular use of aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
heavy menstrual periods
urinary tract bleeding
rare genetic conditions
surgery

Other conditions

Other conditions that may cause iron deficiency include:

kidney failure
congestive heart failure
obesity

Iron is particularly important during periods of growth. For this reason, children and pregnant women have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency and anemia than others.

Further resources

For more in-depth resources about vitamins, minerals, and supplements, visit our dedicated hub.

Diagnosis

A doctor may initially perform a physical examination when diagnosing iron deficiency.

They will also ask about a person’s symptoms and any risk factors, such as heavy menstrual bleeding or an underlying medical condition.

If a doctor suspects an iron deficiency, they will usually order a blood test.

The results of these tests can provide information such as the total amount of red blood cells and iron content in the blood.

If the doctor suspects internal bleeding, further tests may be necessary. These could include:

a fecal blood test
an endoscopy
a colonoscopy

Treatment

Share on Pinterest

A doctor may prescribe iron pills to treat iron deficiency.

The exact treatment for an iron deficiency will depend on the cause and severity of the condition.

In most cases, a doctor will prescribe iron pills. These are medicinal supplements that have more iron than over-the-counter multivitamin supplements.

In cases where iron malabsorption is an issue, it is possible to deliver iron intravenously. This is also an option in other cases, such as in cases of significant blood loss. In the most severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary.

If internal bleeding is a cause of the deficiency, it may require surgery.

A doctor may also suggest dietary changes to include more iron-rich foods. Learn about a variety of iron-rich foods in this article.

When to see a doctor

Anyone experiencing symptoms of an iron deficiency should speak to a doctor. The doctor can provide a simple blood test to get quick answers.

If a person’s iron levels are normal, there may be another problem causing their symptoms. It is best to work with a doctor to get a definitive diagnosis.

Restoring iron levels to normal can occur within 1 or 2 months of treatment. A doctor may recommend taking iron pills for longer to help create an iron “store.” In severe cases, however, more intensive treatments may be necessary.

Summary

An iron deficiency can cause many symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, and cold hands and feet.

A doctor can usually diagnose an iron deficiency using a simple blood test. Treatment may involve taking prescription iron supplements for several months.

In cases where an underlying medical condition causes the deficiency, a person may require more extensive treatment.

Blood / Hematology
Nutrition / Diet

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Anemia. (n.d.).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/anemia
Iron [Fact sheet]. (2018).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Iron-HealthProfessional/
Iron-deficiency anemia. (n.d.).http://www.hematology.org/Patients/Anemia/Iron-Deficiency.aspx
Iron-deficiency anemia. (n.d.).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/iron-deficiency-anemia
Iron deficiency anaemia. (2014).https://www.gosh.nhs.uk/conditions-and-treatments/conditions-we-treat/iron-deficiency-anaemia

Share this article

Medically reviewed by J. Keith Fisher, M.D. — Written by Aaron Kandola on February 8, 2019

Latest news

Time-restricted eating: Study reveals best eating window for metabolism
AI-enhanced stethoscopes help to spot silent heart valve disease
Alzheimer's: Reading, writing, learning new languages may lower risk
Can brain training games actually reduce dementia risk? New study offers evidence
Expert Q&A: Do weight-loss drugs cause pancreatitis?

Related Coverage

Can iron deficiency anemia be genetic?
Iron-refractory iron deficiency anemia (IRIDA) is a genetic form of anemia. Learn about the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of this…
READ MORE
Which tests can diagnose iron deficiency anemia?Medically reviewed by Cynthia Taylor Chavoustie, MPAS, PA-C
A variety of tests can diagnose iron deficiency anemia. Learn more about the types of tests and treatment.
READ MORE
What are the symptoms of an omega 3 deficiency?
An omega-3 deficiency can cause rough, scaly skin, and a rash. Learn more about omega-3 deficiency symptoms here.
READ MORE
What to know about the sciatic nerve and vitamin deficiency
Certain nutrient deficiencies, like vitamin B12, vitamin D, and magnesium deficiency, may contribute to or worsen sciatic nerve pain. Learn more here.
READ MORE
Can a person have an iron deficiency without anemia?Medically reviewed by Angelica Balingit, MD
What is the relationship between anemia and iron deficiency? Will a person with iron deficiency always have anemia? Read on to learn more.
READ MORE

Từ khóa » Vitamin Iron Deficiency Symptoms

Iron Deficiency: Symptoms And When To See A Doctor

Health Conditions

Health Products

News

Original Series

Podcasts

General Health

Health Tools

Quizzes

About Medical News Today

Find Community

Follow Us

Symptoms

Causes

Further resources

Diagnosis

Treatment

When to see a doctor

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

Related Coverage

Iron Deficiency Anemia - Symptoms And Causes - Mayo Clinic

Iron Deficiency Anemia Symptoms - Healthline

Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms, Causes, And More - Healthline

Iron Deficiency Anaemia - NHS

Iron Deficiency | Health Navigator NZ

Iron And Iron Deficiency - Better Health Channel

Iron Deficiency Anemia (Low Iron): Symptoms, Causes, Treatment

Iron-Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms, Treatments & Causes

Anemia: Symptoms, Types, Causes, Risks, Treatment & Management

Iron-Deficiency Anemia | Johns Hopkins Medicine

Iron Deficiency - Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Prevention

Iron Deficiency Anaemia - Illnesses & Conditions - NHS Inform

Iron-deficiency Anemia | Office On Women's Health

Iron Deficiency Symptoms, Causes, And Prevention - Verywell Health

Liên Hệ