Iron deficiency anemia - causes, symptoms, nutrition and treatment.
Community @steemit, Of the various types of anemia, iron deficiency is more common. It is diagnosed in more than 80% of cases of anemic syndromes. The disease develops due to the deficiency of iron in the body. The microelement plays a very important role in the blood formation process; without it, the formation of hemoglobin and red blood cells is impossible. Participates in the work and synthesis of many cellular enzymes.
Causes of iron deficiency anemia.
- Hidden or obvious persistent bleeding. For example, bleeding during surgery, childbirth, ulcers, stomach tumors or bleeding hemorrhoids, prolonged menstruation, loss of uterine blood, donation.
- Inadequate or unbalanced nutrition. For example, the cause of iron deficiency anemia often becomes a strict diet, fasting and vegetarianism. It can lead to prolonged ingestion of foods with low iron content.
- Diseases of the digestive tract, avoiding the absorption of iron - gastritis with low acidity, intestinal dysbiosis, chronic enterocolitis and enteritis.
- Greater need for iron. It occurs with a greater development and growth of the body in children and adolescents, during breastfeeding and during childbirth, when the main reserves of iron are spent on the development of the fetus and the formation of breast milk.
The symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.
Depending on the level of hemoglobin deficiency in the blood, there are 3 grades of iron deficiency anemia:
- Light: the hemoglobin index varies from 120 to 90 g / l;
- Medium: the level of hemoglobin is in the range of 90-70 g / l;
- Heavy: hemoglobin is less than 70 g / l.
In the mild stage of the disease, the patient feels normal and is rarely aware of diseases. With a more severe form, dizziness, headaches, drowsiness, weakness, decreased performance, loss of strength, heart palpitations and a decrease in pressure, and in severe cases, fainting may even occur. These symptoms are caused by the lack of oxygen in the tissues, which leads to hemoglobin deficiency.
With the lack of iron, a malfunction of the cellular enzymes can occur, which leads to the interruption of tissue regeneration, and the following symptoms are manifested:
- Atrophy of the skin;
- The appearance of excessive roughness and dryness of the skin;
- Fragility, peeling of nails;
- The appearance of cracks in the corners of the mouth;
- Hair loss and dryness;
- Dry sensation in the mouth;
- Violation of the perversion of smell and taste, patients can smell or smell acetone or paint, start to eat unusual foods, such as chalk, clay or raw dough.
Consequences of iron deficiency anemia.
With the timely detection and proper treatment of anemia, it can be completely cured. If the disease is not treated, over time it can lead to the interruption of work of many organs. Because immunity decreases, the number of infectious diseases increases. A deformation of the epithelial tissue occurs, eczema and dermatitis appear, and the risk of heart failure increases.
Treatment of anemia.
To successfully get rid of anemia, it is necessary to identify and eliminate the causes. The main course of anemia treatment is aimed at replenishing iron stores. It includes healthy foods and iron supplements.
The medications needed for iron deficiency anemia should be prescribed by a doctor, taking into account the patient's health. In severe forms of the disease or the presence of ulcers, gastritis, impaired iron absorption or other problems, parenteral administration of iron-containing agents is indicated.
People suffering from anemia, it is recommended to eat foods that contain a lot of iron: liver, red meat, chocolate, oatmeal and buckwheat, raisins, apples, pomegranate juice, prunes, dried apricots, spinach and beans. Nutrition should be observed throughout the treatment period and combined with medications that contain iron.
For the prevention of iron deficiency anemia, it is recommended to perform a blood test, eat more foods containing iron and quickly eliminate sources of blood loss.