Patient information: Anemia caused by low iron (The Basics)
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate
What is anemia?
— Anemia is the term doctors use when a person has too few red blood cells. Red blood cells are the cells in your blood that carry oxygen. If you have too few red blood cells, your body does not get all the oxygen it needs.
Anemia can happen for a few reasons. The most common reason is a lack of iron. This is called “iron deficiency anemia.” You can have too little iron because:
●You have lost a large amount of blood (this can happen slowly over time, or all of a sudden, because of an injury)
●Your body cannot absorb enough iron from food
●You do not get enough iron in your food
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
— Many people with iron deficiency anemia have no symptoms. People who do have symptoms might:
●Feel tired or weak, especially if they try to exercise or walk up stairs
●Have headaches
Is there a test for anemia?
— Yes, your doctor can test your blood for anemia. It shows up on routine blood tests, such as the “complete blood count,” often called a “CBC.”
How is iron deficiency anemia treated?
— The first step in treatment is to find out whether your anemia is caused by blood loss. If so, your doctor will want to find out why you are bleeding. Then he or she will suggest ways to stop or slow the bleeding.
In women, blood loss is often tied to heavy periods. In men, and in women who no longer have periods, blood loss can be tied to stomach ulcers or bowel problems.
Whatever the cause of your anemia, your doctor can treat it with iron in pills or shots. If the anemia is severe, you might need a blood transfusion.
Most people with iron deficiency anemia need to take extra iron. Eating foods with iron will not do enough to cure the anemia. The iron used in treatment can come in pills or as a shot. Most people get it in pills. Your doctor will tell you how much to take, and for how long.
Iron pills can cause side effects such as upset stomach and constipation (too few bowel movements). If you have side effects, do not stop taking the iron. Instead, ask your doctor what to do. He or she can suggest ways to reduce these side effects.