Lack of iron in the body or iron deficiency anemia is a very common problem. It is faced by both adults and children. It is worth noting that in no case should you ignore this disease, since it can lead to serious consequences.
Iron is a metal that performs a number of very important functions in the body. In particular, it is part of hemoglobin and is responsible for the transport of oxygen to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide from them.
Lack of iron in the blood: the main causes
Modern medicine knows many causes of this disease:
Quite often, anemia is associated with insufficient intake of this metal in the body along with food.
Sometimes a lack of iron in the body is caused by a deficiency of vitamins B12 and C, which are involved in the processes of its absorption.
Iron deficiency anemia can result from severe blood loss.
The cause may be diseases of other organs and systems, in particular, kidney disease, infections and parasitic infestations, thyroid disorders, the presence of tumors, and strong radiation.
In any case, remember that the doctor is first of all obliged to determine the cause of the disease, and only then proceed to its treatment - this is the only way to achieve complete recovery.
Lack of iron in the body: symptoms
Anemia is a disease that develops slowly and gradually. There are some very characteristic symptoms, noticing which are worth starting to worry. A person quickly gets tired, becomes weak, drowsy, irritable or lethargic. Sometimes the disease can affect the condition of the skin - they become pale. In addition, iron deficiency primarily affects the functioning of the immune system - a person becomes more susceptible to colds and any other infectious diseases.
Lack of iron in the body and its consequences
As already mentioned, iron deficiency anemia is a very dangerous disease. For example, in children, if untreated, it can affect mental and physical development. In addition, over time, the skin becomes dry, cracks appear on it, especially in the corners of the lips. Immune and cardiovascular systems are disrupted. Iron deficiency is closely associated with a lack of oxygen, which affects the state of the nervous system - a person suffers from headaches and insomnia, poorly concentrates and remembers worse.
Iron deficiency treatment
Of course, first of all, the doctor must determine the cause of anemia. To do this, you need to collect a complete medical history, examine the patient’s blood, check the work of some organs. By the way, iron deficiency anemia is not always visible by analysis - the number of red blood cells may be normal, but ESR varies significantly.
After the cause is found and eliminated, it is necessary to quickly restore the normal level of this metal in the body. To this end, the doctor prescribes special iron preparations. In addition, the patient needs to monitor his diet, give up coffee and nicotine. A lot of iron is found in red meat, peas, buckwheat, liver, beets, parsley, apples, almonds and other products.