1. Blood Loss:
   • Acute bleeding: Trauma, surgery, or childbirth.
   • Chronic bleeding: Heavy menstrual periods, gastrointestinal ulcers, or colon cancer.
2. Decreased Production of Red Blood Cells:
   • Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, vitamin B12, or folate.
   • Chronic diseases: Kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune conditions.
   • Bone marrow disorders: Aplastic anemia, myelodysplastic syndrome.
3. Increased Destruction of Red Blood Cells:
   • Hemolytic anemia: Caused by autoimmune diseases, inherited disorders (e.g., sickle cell anemia), or certain medications.
4. Other Causes:
   • Pregnancy: Increased demand for blood production.
   • Infections or toxins: Certain diseases or exposure to chemicals.

1. Iron-Deficiency Anemia:
   • Caused by insufficient iron, leading to decreased hemoglobin production.
   • Commonly due to poor diet, blood loss, or increased demand (e.g., pregnancy).
2. Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:
   • Vitamin B12 deficiency: Can lead to pernicious anemia.
   • Folate deficiency: Often linked to poor dietary intake or absorption issues.
3. Aplastic Anemia:
   • A rare condition where the bone marrow doesn’t produce enough blood cells.
4. Hemolytic Anemia:
   • Red blood cells are destroyed faster than they are produced.
5. Sickle Cell Anemia:
   • An inherited condition where RBCs are abnormally shaped, leading to reduced oxygen transport and blockages in blood vessels.
6. Chronic Disease Anemia:
   • Associated with long-term conditions like kidney disease or inflammatory disorders.

SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA

Weakness and tiredness

Dizziness or lightheadedness

Irritability

Headaches

Paleness

Inability to concentrate

Shortness of breath during exercise

Pale or yellowish skin

Craving substances that are not food (pica)

Irregular or Rapid heartbeat

Fragile finger and toenails

Cracked lips

Smooth, sore tongue

Muscle pain during exercise

Difficulty swallowing

Cold hands and feet

Hair loss

SYMPTOMS OF ANEMIA IN BABIES AND CHILDREN

Fussiness

Having a short attention span

Slow growth

Delayed walking and talking

DIAGNOSING IRON DEFICIENCY ANEMIA

Physical exam

• Checking for pallor, jaundice, or other visible signs.

An interview will be conducted to obtain information about the symptoms and medical history.

• Questions about symptoms, diet, family history, and medical conditions.

Blood Tests

A complete blood count (CBC), to measure the size, shape, color and number of blood cells as well as hemoglobin, hematocrit, and RBC count.

Iron studies: Ferritin and serum iron levels. A ferritin level test- reflects how much iron may be stored in the body. Iron tests determine the type and severity of the anemia by measuring the amount of iron in the blood

Reticulocyte count to help determine the cause of anemia- Reticulocytes are immature red blood cells produced by bone marrow and released into the bloodstream

Vitamin levels: B12 and folate.

Peripheral blood smear: Examines RBC shape and size.

A fecal occult blood test (FOBT), checks for blood in stool samples

A colonoscopy inspects the entire large intestine (colon) using a long, flexible, instrument to look for causes of bleeding

An upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy uses a thin, flexible, lighted viewing instrument, to help identify causes of bleeding

For a Video capsule endoscopy, the patient swallows a capsule that contains a tiny camera which travels through the body to take pictures of the small intestine to show the location of the bleeding

X-ray tests such as an upper GI series or barium enema

Bone marrow biopsy (in severe cases). Bone marrow aspiration removes a small amount of bone marrow fluid through a needle inserted into the bone to determine the amount of iron in the body

TREATMENT OF ANEMIA

• Iron-Deficiency Anemia:

  • Iron supplements or iron-rich foods (e.g., red meat, spinach, lentils).
  • Treat underlying causes of blood loss (e.g., ulcers, heavy menstruation).

• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia:

  • Vitamin B12 injections or oral supplements.
  • Folate supplementation.
  • Pregnant women taking prenatal vitamins

• Aplastic Anemia:

  • Blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant, or medications to stimulate blood production.

• Hemolytic Anemia:

  • Treat the underlying cause, manage autoimmune reactions, or use medications like corticosteroids.

• Sickle Cell Anemia:

  • Pain management, blood transfusions, and medications like hydroxyurea.

• Chronic Disease Anemia:

  • Manage the underlying disease and, in some cases, erythropoietin injections.

A bag containing packet red blood cells to treat someone with anemia

WHAT ARE IRON TABLETS

Iron tablets are often prescribed as a treatment option for anemia caused by iron deficiency. These tablets provide a concentrated source of iron that is absorbed by the body and used to increase the production of red blood cells. Iron tablets come in various forms and strengths and can be an effective way to treat anemia when taken as directed by a healthcare professional.

SIDE EFFECTS OF IRON TABLETS

Stomach discomfort

Nausea

Diarrhea

Constipation

Dark stool

Allergic reaction