Iron deficiency anaemia
Overview
Iron deficiency anaemia is caused by lack of iron, often because of blood loss or pregnancy. It's treated with iron tablets and by eating iron-rich foods.
Symptoms
Symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia can include: tiredness and lack of energyshortness of breathnoticeable heartbeats (heart palpitations)paler than usual skinheadaches
Causes
Heavy periods and pregnancy are very common causes of iron deficiency anaemia. Heavy periods can be treated with medicine. In pregnancy, iron deficiency anaemia is most often caused by a lack of iron in your diet. Bleeding in the stomach and intestines is another common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. This can be caused by: takingnon-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirinstomach ulcersinflammation of the bowel or food pipe (oesophagus)pilescancers of the bowel or stomach (but this is less common) Any other conditions or actions that cause blood loss could also lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
Treatment
Once the reason you have iron deficiency anaemia has been found (for example, an ulcer or heavy periods) the GP will recommend treatment. If the blood test shows your red blood cell count is low, iron tablets will be recommended to replace the iron that's missing from your body. You'll need to take them for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after you've taken a tablet may help your body absorb the iron. Follow the GP's advice about how to take iron tablets. Some people get side effects when taking iron tablets like: constipation or diarrhoeatummy painheartburnfeeling sickdarker than usual poo Try taking the tablets with or soon after food to reduce the chance of side effects. It's important to keep taking the tablets, even if you get side effects. Your GP may carry out repeat blood tests over the next few months to check that your iron level is getting back to normal.
Prevention
Diet: dark green veg; fortified cereals; pulses; meat; dried fruit. Reduce tea/coffee with meals.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: excessive tiredness; shortness of breath. Blood test needed to diagnose.