Anemia / Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA): Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Anemia, or iron deficiency anemia (IDA), is a widespread health issue affecting millions of people worldwide. In countries like Pakistan, nearly one in three individuals suffers from anemia, especially children, women, and the elderly. Unfortunately, many people do not take anemia seriously, but even mild anemia can have significant health consequences.

There are many types of anemia, but the most common cause globally is iron deficiency, followed by deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folic acid. Poor diet is the leading cause of iron deficiency, but anemia can also result from various medical conditions, such as:

• Stomach ulcers
• Kidney or bladder disorders
• Chronic diarrhea or intestinal inflammation
• H. pylori infection
• Intestinal tuberculosis
• Parasitic infections
• Bone marrow disorders
• Blood loss due to injury or surgery

Common Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia:

Anemia means that the body does not have enough red blood cells (RBCs, Hct, or Hb) to carry oxygen efficiently to different organs. This oxygen deficiency leads to several symptoms, including:

1. Fatigue and weakness
2. Shortness of breath, chest pain, or a rapid heartbeat even with mild activity
3. Headaches, dizziness, or lightheadedness
4. Cold hands and feet
5. Inflammation or soreness of the tongue and mouth (glossitis, stomatitis)
6. Pale skin, hair thinning, and brittle nails
7. Unusual cravings for non-food items like ice, dirt, or clay (pica syndrome)
8. Loss of appetite, especially in children
9. Weakened immune system, leading to frequent colds, allergies, or infections
10. Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), causing discomfort in the legs at night
11. Mental health issues like anxiety, depression, and mood swings

Severe anemia can lead to heart enlargement, heart failure, and even death if untreated.

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency:

In addition to the above symptoms, a deficiency in vitamin B12 may cause:

• Memory loss and cognitive decline
• Nerve damage, numbness, or tingling in hands and feet
• Burning sensations in the hands and feet

Diagnosis and Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Essential Diagnostic Tests:

1. CBC (Complete Blood Count), Peripheral Smear, and Serum Ferritin – To confirm anemia and assess iron levels.
2. Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Tests – To check for vitamin deficiencies.
3. Ultrasound, Endoscopy, LFT (Liver Function Test), LDH (Lactate Dehydrogenase) – To detect underlying digestive or liver issues.

Important Note:

Before starting any treatment, it is crucial to identify the underlying cause of anemia through laboratory tests. Based on the severity, treatment may involve dietary changes, supplements, iron injections, or even blood transfusions.

Levels of Anemia and Recommended Treatments:

1. Mild Anemia (Hb: 9–11 g/dL)

• Can be treated with an iron-rich diet, including red meat, eggs, fish, leafy green vegetables, beans, carrots, and beets.

2. Moderate Anemia (Hb: 7–8 g/dL)

• Requires iron supplements or iron injections, as diet alone is not sufficient.

3. Severe Anemia (Hb: 5–6 g/dL or lower)

• Requires iron infusions or blood transfusions to prevent organ failure.
• According to medical guidelines, blood transfusions are recommended for Hb levels below 7 g/dL.

4. Critical Anemia (Hb below 5 g/dL)

• This is a medical emergency. It can cause heart and kidney failure, leading to death if untreated.
• Requires 2 to 4 units of blood transfusion immediately.

Preventing and Managing Anemia:

1. Improve Your Diet

• Eat iron-rich foods like red meat, liver, poultry, eggs, spinach, kale, legumes, beets, and fortified cereals.
• Consume vitamin C-rich foods (lemons, oranges, tomatoes) to increase iron absorption.
• Avoid tea and coffee immediately after meals, as they can block iron absorption.

2. Regular Health Check-ups

• If you experience persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, or other symptoms, get a CBC test and iron studies.
• Pregnant women should take iron and folic acid supplements to prevent anemia in both mother and baby.
• Monitor children’s iron levels, as iron deficiency can affect their growth and cognitive development.

3. Address Underlying Health Issues

• If anemia is caused by a medical condition (ulcers, infections, or chronic diseases), treating the root cause is essential.

4. Lifestyle Improvements

• Engage in daily physical activity (walking, light exercise) to boost blood circulation.
• Get adequate sleep and manage stress, as both play a role in overall health.

Conclusion

Anemia is a preventable and treatable condition, but ignoring it can lead to severe health complications. If you or someone you know has symptoms of anemi

a, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Simple dietary changes, regular check-ups, and timely treatment can significantly improve health and quality of life.