Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Kansas City, MO
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Typically, anemia develops any time a person's blood lacks enough healthy red blood cells and, as a result, cannot carry sufficient amounts of oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in one's body, which stops it from creating hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. In the absence of iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be correctly distributed to one's body. Iron deficiency and anemia might cause serious health complications if left untreated. You can receive treatment for anemia in Kansas City, MO. Should you believe you or a loved one might have this condition, then we encourage you to connect with Digestive Health Specialists at your earliest convenience.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency/anemia is the result of an insufficient amount of iron in one's blood. Iron is the substance that enables the blood to make hemoglobin. A lack of iron could be the result of a number of differing factors:
- An inability to absorb iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- Intravascular hemolysis
- A lack of iron in your diet
- Loss of blood from heavy menstruation, etc.
- Being pregnant
Risk factors for iron deficiency/anemia might include:
- Children and infants
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Biological women
- Participants in blood donation
If you suspect iron deficiency, reach out to a specialist at Digestive Health Specialists to ensure you do not suffer from anemia.
What are the symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
Low levels of oxygen can cause a number of iron deficiency concerns. The most typical symptoms of iron deficiency/anemia can include:
- Headache
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Weakness
- Rapid heartbeat
- Fatigue that cannot be explained
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Paleness of the skin
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Loss of appetite
- Nails that break easily
- Hair loss
- Painful or smooth tongue
- Craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
Iron deficiency/anemia should never be self-diagnosed, and taking iron supplements on your own can be harmful. Help is available for iron deficiency in Kansas City, MO. Consult with a specialist if you are suffering from any combination of the above-listed symptoms consistently. If you or someone you love is suffering from these symptoms, we urge you to reach out to a local Digestive Health Specialists practice and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency/anemia are very simple, and their goal is to get more iron in one's body. It is important to note, however, some other conditions or medications may interfere with the absorption of iron. The most frequently used treatments for iron deficiency/anemia are:
- Surgery or treatment for internal bleeding
- Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
- Use of oral contraceptives for reduction of menstrual bleeding
- Taking iron tablets without antacids
- Swallowing iron tablets at the same time as Vitamin C
- Taking antibiotics for the treatment of peptic ulcers
- Receiving treatment for diseases that impact absorption, like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease
Iron-rich foods:
- Pork
- Dried fruit
- Poultry
- Beef or other red meat
- Seafood
- Beans
- Leafy greens
- Legumes
Foods rich in vitamin C (to help with iron absorption):
- Melons
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
- Leafy greens
- Grapefruit
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency/anemia may cause severe medical issues if ignored. When the cells and tissues in your major organs are not provided with the supply of oxygen they need, they begin to scar or become damaged. Also, in cases of iron deficiency/anemia, one's heart can be overworked because it is trying to supply additional blood to oxygen-deprived portions of the body. But there is help for iron deficiency/anemia in Kansas City, MO. Iron deficiency treatment may need two to three weeks to reverse symptoms. Depending on why you were anemic in the first place, you might need to consume iron supplements for a long time to ensure that the anemia does not return. If you or a family member has received a diagnosis of or suspect you might have anemia, please consult with Digestive Health Specialists to have peace of mind that you get the best treatment for your situation.
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