Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Thibodaux, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Anemia occurs when a person's blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells and, as a result, is unable to deliver sufficient levels of oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in your body, preventing it from making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin (which is a protein found in red blood cells) carries oxygen. Without iron to aid in the production of hemoglobin, oxygen is not correctly distributed to the body. Iron deficiency and anemia could cause serious health complications if left untreated. Help is available for anemia in Thibodaux, LA. If you believe you or a loved one might have anemia or iron deficiency then please connect with your nearest Digestive Health Center location at your earliest convenience.
What causes anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of having below-normal amounts of iron in the blood. Iron is the thing that enables the blood to produce hemoglobin. A body's iron deficiency could be caused by many unique circumstances:
- Blood loss heavy menstruation, etc.)
- A lack of iron in one's diet
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Pregnancy
- An inability to absorb iron (occurs when the small intestine becomes compromised from a disease like Celiac disease)
Those at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia may include:
- Participants in blood donation
- Infants and children
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Females
If you or someone you love is at risk for iron deficiency, our Digestive Health Center providers will help you ensure that anemia does not become a larger issue.
What are the symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
The absence of sufficient oxygen can result in several iron deficiency complications. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lack of hunger
- Nails that break easily
- Fatigue that has no apparent reason
- A lack of strength
- Craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- A lack of color in the skin
- Loss of hair
Iron deficiency anemia should never be self-diagnosed, and supplementing with an iron pill without a provider's supervision can be dangerous. Help is available for iron deficiency in Thibodaux, LA. Consult with your provider if you experience any combination of the symptoms listed above persistently.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
The treatments available for iron deficiency anemia have one goal: to get more iron in your body. It is important to note, however, that some other conditions and/or medications can interfere with the absorption of iron. The most frequently used treatments for iron deficiency anemia are:
- Swallowing iron tablets on an empty stomach
- Taking iron supplements without antacids
- Eating more iron-rich foods
- Surgery or treatment for internal bleeding
- Receiving treatment for conditions that impede absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Taking antibiotics for treatment of peptic ulcers
- Taking iron tablets at the same time as vitamin C
- Use of oral contraceptives for reduction of bleeding during menstruation
Foods rich in iron:
- Dried fruit
- Beans
- Leafy greens
- Seafood
- Poultry
- Pork
- Red meat - Beef
- Legumes
Vitamin C-rich foods (to help with iron absorption):
- Grapefruit
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Melons
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
- Kiwi
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia can result in dangerous medical concerns if left untreated. When the cells and tissues in your major organs are not given the supply of oxygen they need, they begin to scar or become damaged. It is also important to note that in cases of iron deficiency anemia, your heart can be overworked because it is trying to supply more blood to oxygen-deprived portions of the body. But there is help for iron deficiency anemia in Thibodaux, LA. Iron deficiency treatment could require two to three weeks to alleviate symptoms. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you might need to take iron supplements for an extensive amount of time to be sure that the anemia does not return. If you have been diagnosed with, or suspect, anemia we urge you to connect with a Digestive Health Center location in your community to get specialized treatment for your condition.
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