Iron is a mineral that your body need in order to produce red blood cells. Iron deficiency is believed to affect up to 1.5 billion individuals globally. Anemia is most commonly caused by a lack of iron, which happens when your body can not produce enough red blood cells to transport oxygen to your tissues.
You may not have any symptoms in the early stages of iron insufficiency. However, you may experience weariness, weakness, shortness of breath, cravings for non-food things, and changes in your nail and hair health over time.
Typical Symptoms
Your red blood cells aid in the delivery of oxygen to your body's tissues. You must have enough iron in your body to produce enough red blood cells for your body to operate correctly. When you are iron deficient, your red blood cell count is often low, making it harder for your blood to transport appropriate oxygen to the rest of your body. As a result, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
- Weakness
- Breathing difficulty
- Exercise is difficult for me.
- Discomfort in the chest
- Headache
- Skin tone is light.
- Palpitations in the heart
- Hands and feet are frosty.
It is crucial to remember that certain symptoms of iron deficiency anemia might mirror those of more dangerous illnesses. Notably, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations may be symptoms of a cardiac issue. If you suddenly get these symptoms, it's advisable to seek medical attention and get a correct diagnosis.
Exceptional Symptoms
Iron deficiency anemia, while less frequent, can also impair the skin, hair, neurological, and immunological systems. Symptoms could include:
Pica:
Craving non-food objects such as ice, clay, chalk, and paper
Glossitis:
Tongue inflammation accompanied with pain and swelling
Koilonychia:
Nails that are brittle and spoon-shaped
Restless legs syndrome (RLS):
Not being able to rest your legs and needing to move or walk, especially at night
Changes in skin and hair:
A lack of oxygen can cause your hair to grow brittle and your skin to feel dry.
Depressive state:
Iron deficiency can impact your mood and lead to feelings of despair.
Children's Signs and Symptoms
Iron deficiency symptoms are more modest in infants and toddlers. Iron deficiency anemia can cause developmental delays if left untreated. Here are some warning indicators to look out for in children:
- Irritability
- Skin tone is light.
- Poor nutrition
- Breathing quickly
- want to consume non-food stuff
There is a lot of overlap between pregnant symptoms and iron deficient anemia. It might be difficult to distinguish if weariness, shortness of breath, a racing heart, or unusual cravings are caused by typical pregnancy symptoms or iron deficiency anemia in certain circumstances. The growing fetus demands iron, which might deplete the iron reserves of the expectant parent. Furthermore, pregnancy might reduce the amount of iron you get in your diet owing to sickness or dietary aversions.
To screen for anemia early in pregnancy, the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology advises routine complete blood count (CBC) testing.If anemia is suspected later in pregnancy, repeat blood counts can be performed.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Iron deficiency anemia symptoms might appear gradually, making them easier to dismiss at first. However, if you observe a substantial change in energy or are having signs of iron deficiency anemia, you should see your doctor for thorough testing. Lab tests might be ordered by your clinician to assist discover the underlying cause of your symptoms.
However, if you suddenly suffer any of the following symptoms, get immediate medical attention:
- Chest ache
- Breathing difficulty
- Palpitations in the heart
- Dizziness
A Quick Recap
Iron is a mineral that your body need. A lack of iron in your body reduces the number of red blood cells you can generate, reducing your blood's ability to transport oxygen to your body's tissues.
Iron deficiency anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, and pale complexion, among other symptoms. These symptoms might impair your everyday functioning and reduce your quality of life. However, if you observe any of these symptoms, you should consult your doctor and have anemia evaluated. An early diagnosis will help you begin therapy sooner and decrease symptoms.
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