Iron Deficient Anemia

Iron-Deficient Anemia Millions of Americans today often admit to being regularly fatigued, attributing it to busy schedules and not enough sleep. These factors certainly can cause fatigue, but, fatigue tends to be a more common underlying symptom of a health condition called iron-deficient anemia. In the article, Understanding Anemia, the Basics, WebMD. com describes iron-deficient anemia as a condition that â€Å"occurs because of a lack of the mineral iron in the body. † It further states that â€Å"without adequate iron, the body cannot produce enough hemoglobin for the red blood cells. Typical indications of anemia include, fatigue, weakness, irritability, headache, pale skin color, and shortness of breath. A more moderate case of anemia may be comprised of the above symptoms and others, such as, numb hands and feet, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, and trouble concentrating. According to the NAAC, the National Anemia Action Council, â€Å"the less common, yet still n oted, experiences with anemia consist of an irregular heartbeat, a desire to eat peculiar things, sexual dysfunction, and chest pains. † In order to obtain a clear diagnosis of iron-deficient anemia, there are a few steps that need to be taken. Initially, a physical examination by a licensed medical doctor should be performed. This will allow the doctor to determine what symptoms and complications are prevalent. To further conclude a positive result for anemia, the doctor will order blood tests, namely a CBC, (complete blood count), a fecal occult test, and a test to check the vitamin and mineral levels in the blood. Specifically checking for iron, ferritin, and vitamin b12 is essential in determining anemia by blood. Once a positive result of anemia is verified, the doctor can then discuss treatments. Google Health, at google. com states that in milder cases of anemia, the doctor will recommend the patient to â€Å"take iron supplements by mouth† and â€Å"eat iron-rich foods such as egg yolks, fish, legumes, meats, raisins, and whole grain breads. † The more severe exmaples of anemia might require iron by injection, iron given intravenously, or, as a last resort, a blood transfusion may be needed. Understanding the indications of anemia and the preventative measures one can take, may be helpful to many people who can’t comprehend why they are so tired all the time. Anemia is one of the most common and most undiagnosed conditions in America today. Education can make the difference in one who helps themselves, and one who continues to suffer from anemia. Works Cited â€Å"Iron Deficiency Anemia† Google Health https://www. google. com/health/ref/Iron+deficiency+anemia â€Å"Iron Deficiency Anemia† NAAC- National Anemia Action Council January 14, 2009 http://www. anemia. org â€Å"Understanding Anemia, the Basics† WebMD December 14, 2008 http://www. webmd. com/a-to-z-guides/understanding-anemia-basics