Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia where there is reduced amount of haemoglobin in the red blood cells in your blood.  The normal Haemoglobin (known as Hb in your blood test report) should be above 12.5 g/dl in males and 11.5 g/dl in females.  Each lab report has their own reference range and you should consult your doctor with your own results.

Haemoglobin the red blood cells carries the oxygen in your blood from your lungs to all parts of the body for your cells to function properly.  Reduced oxygen levels will mean impaired function such as tiredness or short of breath and complete lack of oxygen will result in heart attack and stroke.

Signs and Symptoms of Anemia include;

• Fatigue or tiredness
• Lack of energy or feeling weak
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin
• Irregular heartbeats, palpitations or chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness, lightheadedness or headaches
• Cold hands and feet
• Brittle nails or hair falling out
• Premature birth if you are pregnant

Causes of Iron-Deficiency Anemia

1. Inadequate production of normal red cells by bone marrow due to deficiency of essential factors like iron, vitamin B12, folate and erythropoietin.  This can happen in the following scenarios;
   
   • Poor nutrition or poor absorption after bariatric surgery
   • Marked growth spurt in puberty may cause increased iron requirement which outstrips the rate of iron absorption
   • Menstruation in females with an average loss of more than 30 mg of iron each month 
   • Pregnancy or breast feeding where increased requirement from the baby will result in an increase demand
   • Toxic factors due to inflammatory bowel disease
   • Hormone deficiency such as low thyroid hormone levels in hypothyroidism
   • Invasion of bone marrow such as metastatic cancer or bone marrow disease

2. Blood loss (which can acute or chronic)
   • Acute blood loss may be seen in a motor vehicle accident or following surgery
   • Chronic blood loss occurs during excessive menstruation in female, chronic worm infestation and other conditions such as gastric ulcer or colon cancer.

3. Excessive destruction of red blood cells due to Sickle Cell Anaemia or Thalassemia

Diagnosis of Anemia

• Full body check up and examination by your doctor
• Blood tests and microscopic examination of your blood cells
• Liver and kidney functions test as well as hormone levels
• Gastroscopy and colonoscopy to exclude gastric ulcers or colon cancers
• Gynaecological check up for women with persistent heavy periods to exclude ovarian or cervical cancer
• Bone marrow biopsy (to look for blood cancers or cancer spread into the bone)

Treatment Options for Anemia

• Take Iron and other Vitamin Supplements
• Improved diet rich in iron and other minerals
• Blood transfusion may be necessary for some cases

You are advised to repeat the blood tests after 3-6 months of treatment to ensure that your haemoglobin and red blood cells have returned to normal. 

Consult your doctor to do all the necessary tests when you have anaemia

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