Summary. Thalassemia, an inherited condition that results in anemia, is sometimes mislabeled as iron deficiency anemia. A thalassemia diagnosis may be delayed until after the anemia doesn't respond to treatment with iron supplements.
The causes of autoimmune hemolytic anemia are poorly understood. It may be a primary disorder or secondary to an underlying illness, such as Epstein-Barr Virus, lymphoma, lupus, immunodeficiency disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, or ulcerative colitis.
People who do not get enough iron or certain vitamins and people who take certain medicines or treatments are also at a higher risk. Anemia may also be a sign of a more serious condition, such as bleeding in your stomach, inflammation from an infection, kidney disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases.
You may also find that low iron causes weight gain. There are a couple of reasons for this; firstly, your energy levels are low and so your exercise levels reduce; secondly, iron is essential for thyroid function, and an underactive thyroid will lead to weight gain.
Left untreated, however, iron-deficiency anemia can make you feel tired and weak. You may notice pale skin and cold hands and feet. Iron-deficiency anemia can also cause you to feel dizzy or lightheaded. Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath.
There are several potential causes of anemia, including deficiencies in iron or vitamin B12, chronic diseases, and inherited blood disorders that affect the red blood cell membrane. Leukemia, however, is not one of them.
This can happen because there's something wrong with your red blood cells or because you don't have enough minerals and vitamins for your red blood cells to form normally. Conditions associated with these causes of anemia include: Bone marrow and stem cell problems.
Symptoms can include: tiredness and lack of energy. shortness of breath. noticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)
Signs and Symptoms of Anemia
Fatigue occurs because your body doesn't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to its various parts. A low red blood cell count also can cause shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, coldness in your hands and feet, pale or yellowish skin, and chest pain.
“The main inaccuracy with iron studies is [from] people who don't draw the blood fasting,” says Dr Pradeep Jayasuriya, a GP and the past director of research at the RACGP in Western Australia. “You need a fasting blood level to get an accurate serum iron.” Ferritin levels can be falsely raised when a patient is unwell.
Iron deficiency (ID) is defined as the decrease of the total content of iron in the body. Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) occurs when ID is sufficiently severe to reduce erythropoiesis. This type of anemia is the most frequent chronic anemia.
Think of it this way: Anemia is caused by lack of Hemoglobin. Iron Deficiency is caused by lack of Iron. Iron Deficiency with Anemia is caused by both a lack of Iron AND a lack of Hemoglobin.
A sudden lack of energy and chronic fatigue are warning signs that you might be lacking enough iron. In order for all of the cells in your body to function efficiently, oxygen needs to be able to travel freely around the body.
Eye symptoms of low iron can include a pale coloring of the inside of the lower eyelids. In moderate or severe cases of iron deficiency anemia, the inside layer of the lower eyelid is very pale pink or yellow instead of red. Rather than low iron, one common cause of blurry vision is dry eye.
Anemia could be a contributing cause of your anxiety and depression symptoms. Several studies link anemia, and more specifically iron deficiency anemia, to mental health problems. While more research is required to confirm the connection, for many people, these conditions go hand in hand.
Is it hard to lose weight with low iron? Yes. Low iron causes low energy, which may result in burning fewer calories and causing you to keep reducing your caloric intake to lose weight.
Our study shows a significantl positive correlation between sleep quality and iron supplement intake (p <0.17). A deficiency in iron has an effect on sleep quality, quantity and timing; iron also affects the modulation of REM sleep.
Treatment for iron-deficiency anemia will depend on its cause and severity. Treatments may include dietary changes and supplements, medicines, and surgery. Severe iron-deficiency anemia may require a blood transfusion, iron injections, or intravenous (IV) iron therapy. Treatment may need to be done in a hospital.
Call Your Doctor About Anemia If:
Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.
Tiredness. Iron deficiency anaemia can make you feel tired and lacking in energy (lethargic). This may result in you being less productive at work, and you may find it difficult to stay awake or not feel able to exercise regularly.