Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Arizona
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
In most cases, anemia arises when an individual's blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells and thus is unable to carry adequate oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a commonly seen type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in your body, which inhibits it from manufacturing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without iron to aid in the production of hemoglobin, oxygen is not efficiently delivered to your body. Iron deficiency and anemia can cause serious health concerns if left untreated. You can find care for anemia in Phoenix, AZ. If you suspect anemia or iron deficiency, then please contact Arizona Digestive Health as soon as possible.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of a lack of iron in the blood. Iron is the substance allows the blood to make hemoglobin. A iron deficiency can be precipitated by a few differing factors:
- A deficiency of iron in one's diet
- An inability to absorb iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Pregnancy
- Blood loss (heavy menstruation, chronic blood loss, etc.)
Those at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia may include:
- Children and infants
- Biological women
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Those who donate blood
If you or someone you love suspects iron deficiency, contact a doctor at Arizona Digestive Health to be certain that you do not suffer from anemia.
What are some symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
A shortage of oxygen results in numerous iron deficiency concerns. The most frequent symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Loss of appetite
- Sore or smooth tongue
- The craving of ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Shortness of breath or pain in one's chest
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Loss of hair
- Pale skin
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Weakness
- Nails that break easily
- Pain in one's head
- Fatigue that has no apparent reason
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that must be diagnosed by a professional, and taking iron supplements on your own might be detrimental. Help is available for iron deficiency in Phoenix, AZ. See a doctor if you suffer from any combination of the above listed symptoms persistently. If you are suffering from these symptoms, please get in touch with a local Arizona Digestive Health practice and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
The treatments for iron deficiency anemia are very simple and they aim to increase the amount of iron in your body. It is important to note, however, that some other conditions or medications might interfere with the absorption of iron. The most common ways to treat iron deficiency anemia involve:
- Use of oral contraceptives for reduction of menstrual bleeding
- Swallowing iron tablets without antacids
- Taking antibiotics for treatment of peptic ulcers
- Swallowing iron supplements on an empty stomach
- Receiving treatment for diseases that impact absorption, such as Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
- Repair or treatment for internal bleeding
- Taking iron tablets in conjunction with vitamin C
Iron-rich foods:
- Dried fruit
- Beans
- Seafood
- Legumes
- Pork
- Beef or other red meat
- Leafy greens
- Poultry
Vitamin C-rich foods (to help with iron absorption):
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens
- Tomatoes
- Grapefruit
- Melons
- Kiwi
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia could cause severe medical situations if improperly handled. If the tissues and cells in your major organs fail to receive the supply of oxygen they require, they begin to scar or become damaged. It is also important to note that in cases of iron deficiency anemia, one's heart can be overworked due to its attempts to supply additional blood to oxygen-deprived parts of the body. But our team offers care for iron deficiency anemia in Phoenix, AZ. Iron deficiency treatment can need two to three weeks to halt symptoms. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you could need to take iron supplements for an extensive period of time to be sure that the anemia will not return. If you have received a diagnosis of, or suspect, anemia we urge you to consult with Arizona Digestive Health to be certain that you receive professional treatment for your condition.
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