Iron-deficiency anemia

Written by: Chayanit Techaphasoranun, Samita Kunnavatana

Edited by: Tanyarat Saelor, Aiyada Iuemwananonthachai

Introduction

Iron-deficiency anemia is a general problem in Thailand. This occurs due to a lack of iron in the body, which is necessary for our body. Hemoglobin transports oxygen to different parts of the body, so when hemoglobin cannot carry oxygen, it leads to fatigue and other symptoms.

Thailand is a developing country, where a large portion of the population is facing financial hardship. This leads to limited access to nutritious foods, Especially in women, young children, and the elderly.

As a result of this lack many individuals are at a higher risk of developing iron-deficiency anemia. This can cause significant health issues such as chronic fatigue, reduced immune function. 

Cause & Symptoms

Cause

Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by many etiologies. It mostly happens when your body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin, which is the protein substance in your red blood cell that is used to carry oxygen in your body. The most common cause is blood loss. It could be due to menstrual abnormalities such as hypermenorrhea or bleeding in internal organs, including bleeding in your gastrointestinal tract, or else bleeding in your urinary tract, along with blood loss by injury or surgery. Otherwise, It could happen because of a lack of iron from your diet or a lack of ability to absorb iron as well.

Symptoms

The symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia depend on the severity of the disease. The symptoms can mostly be shown in both physical and emotional ways, for instance:

• Fatigue and lack of energy

• Paler skin than usual or abnormal paleness

• Headache or dizziness.

• Chest pain or shortness of breath

• Brittle nails

• Cold hands and feet

• Sore or swollen tongue

• Irritability

• Wishes for non-nutritive substances 

Which of the following is also similar to other types of anemia, but can still be defined by running a blood test to check your complete blood count (CBC).

A peripheral blood smear in patient with moderate Iron-deficiency anemia

A peripheral blood smear in patient with severe Iron-deficiency anemia

Risk Factors

Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia can be distinguished by age, gender, nutritional status, etc.

For toddlers, which are the highest populations that are at risk of iron deficiency anemia. The risk factors include:

• Mother medical history

• Premature birth

• Low birth weight

• Breastfeeding and did not get enough iron

• Inadequate complementary food

Women are also likely to have iron-deficiency anemia since they have risk factors. For example, menstrual blood losses or poor dietary intake of iron due to changes in the eating habits and pregnancy too. For pregnancy, the risk factors for iron-deficiency anemia are such as

• Have two closely spaced pregnancies

• Pregnant with more than one baby

• Vomiting frequently due to morning sickness

• Do not consume enough iron-rich foods

• Have a heavy pre-pregnancy menstrual flow

• Have a history of anemia before your pregnancy

Furthermore, eating non-heme iron found in vegan foods is also one of the risk factors of iron deficiency anemia, along with donating blood since blood donation can cause depleted iron stores. 

Treatment

Iron-deficiency anemia can be treated by many treatments, for example, iron supplements, an iron-rich diet, medicines, etc. The most common way to treat iron-deficiency anemia is with iron supplements, also called iron pills or oral iron, which will help increase the amount of iron in your body. But for serious conditions, blood transfusions would be the most suitable treatment since they are the fastest way to increase the number of red blood cells and iron in your blood. Surgery is also needed to stop internal bleeding.

Conclusion

Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition identified by a lack of sufficient iron in the body. When iron levels are low, hemoglobin cannot transport effectively, causing a physical condition such as fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. This condition can result from various factors, including poor dietary intake, blood loss, and absorption issues. It is especially common in populations with limited access to iron-rich foods, such as women, young children, and the elderly, as well as people who are experiencing low income.