What is iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is the most common form of anemia. If the body lacks iron, it cannot produce enough red blood pigment (hemoglobin) – and oxygen transport in the blood decreases.
Symptoms often develop gradually and are frequently dismissed as 'normal' fatigue for a long time. However, the cause is measurable and highly treatable.
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Typical signs include:
- persistent fatigue and exhaustion
- pale skin and mucous membranes
- difficulty concentrating
- dizziness and shortness of breath during exertion
- brittle nails and hair loss
What causes iron deficiency anemia?
The cause is an iron deficiency – due to insufficient intake, increased demand, or blood loss. Often, chronic, minor blood loss or an iron-poor diet are the underlying cause.
Welche Prognose kann ich erwarten?
The prognosis is good: Anemia reliably improves with iron supplementation and treatment of the underlying cause.
What are the risk factors for iron deficiency anemia?
- heavy menstrual bleeding
- pregnancy and breastfeeding
- unbalanced or vegetarian/vegan diet
- blood loss in the gastrointestinal tract
- absorption disorders
What are the treatment methods for iron deficiency anemia?
Treatment involves targeted iron supplementation – via infusion or orally – following precise laboratory diagnostics. It is also important to identify the underlying cause of the deficiency.
Welche Vorbeugungen können getroffen werden?
An iron-rich diet and treating sources of blood loss are preventative.
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Wie verläuft der typische Zeitablauf?
Iron deficiency anemia usually develops gradually, as iron stores are slowly depleted. Replenishing them also takes weeks.
Welche Komplikationen können auftreten?
- Fatigue and reduced performance
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- In severe cases, strain on the cardiovascular system
How does Clínica Es Castell help with iron deficiency anemia?
Clínica Es Castell in Mallorca quickly and precisely diagnoses iron deficiency anemia on-site and treats it with individualized infusion therapy – even at short notice during your stay. Results are discussed in person, not simply sent to you.
Find out more in the section Hematology & Vital Diagnostics.
Häufig gestellte Fragen
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
Fatigue, paleness, difficulty concentrating, hair loss, and brittle nails.
What quickly helps with iron deficiency?
An iron-rich diet and – after medical consultation – iron supplements; however, it takes weeks for stores to replenish.
Finde mehr Informationen
- IQWiG / gesundheitsinformation.de – gesundheitsinformation.de
- German Society for Hematology and Oncology – onkopedia.com