Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Texas
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Generally, anemia develops anytime an individual's blood lacks a sufficient amount of healthy red blood cells and thus is unable to deliver sufficient amounts of oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia resulting from a shortage of iron in one's body which inhibits it from making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin, which is a protein found in red blood cells, delivers oxygen. In the absence of iron to aid in the production of hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be sufficiently distributed to one's body. Anemia and iron deficiency can cause severe health concerns if left untreated. You can find care for anemia in Texas. In the event that you suspect anemia or iron deficiency then we urge you to request a consultation with a GI provider at your nearest Texas Digestive Disease Consultants location today.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is caused by having below-normal amounts of iron in the blood. Iron is the thing that allows the blood to produce hemoglobin. An iron deficiency could be the result of a few differing circumstances:
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Pregnancy
- Loss of blood (heavy menstruation, etc.)
- An inability to absorb iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- An insufficient amount of iron in your diet
Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Females
- Those who donate blood
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Infants and children
If you suspect iron deficiency, reach out to a provider at Texas Digestive Disease Consultants in Texas to be certain that you do not suffer from anemia.
What are the symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
Lack of sufficient oxygen causes a multitude of iron deficiency problems. The most typical symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Pale skin
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Shortness of breath or pain in one's chest
- Pain in one's head
- Fatigue that has no apparent reason
- Loss of hair
- Rapid heartbeat
- Nails that break easily
- The craving of ice or clay (pagophagia)
Iron deficiency anemia is not something you should self-diagnose, and taking iron supplements without a doctor's supervision could be detrimental. Help is available for iron deficiency in Texas. Consult with a doctor if you are experiencing any combination of the listed symptoms consistently. If you are suffering from these symptoms, we urge you to call your local Texas Digestive Disease Consultants and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
In what ways is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are very straightforward and their primary goal is to increase the amount of iron in one's body. However, some other conditions and medications could interrupt the absorption of iron. The most common ways to treat iron deficiency anemia are:
- Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
- Repair or treatment for internal bleeding
- Taking oral contraceptives for reduction of menstrual bleeding
- Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach
- Undergoing treatment for diseases that impact absorption, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease
- Taking iron supplements without antacids
- Swallowing iron tablets in tandem with vitamin C
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
Some common iron-rich foods include:
- Dried fruit
- Beans
- Seafood
- Leafy greens
- Legumes
- Red meat - Beef
- Poultry
- Pork
Foods rich in vitamin C (to aid in iron absorption):
- Kiwi
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens
- Melons
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
- Grapefruit
Complete treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia may cause severe medical situations if improperly handled. When the tissues and cells in one's major organs fail to receive the amount of oxygen they need, they start to suffer damage or scarring. Also, with iron deficiency anemia, your heart can be damaged due to its attempts to supply more blood to oxygen-deprived areas of the body. But there is help for iron deficiency anemia in Texas. Iron deficiency treatment could take 2 – 3 weeks. Depending on why you were anemic in the first place, you may need to take iron supplements for an extensive period of time to ensure that the anemia does not resurface. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with, or have suspicions of, anemia, we implore you to connect with Texas Digestive Disease Consultants to be certain that you are given the best treatment for your situation.
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