Iron Deficiency Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia is the most common nutritional anemia. It occurs when your body does not have enough iron. Body needs iron to make RBCs and Hemoglobin. In body, Hb carry oxygen to your tissue. Also, you need oxygen to form energy (ATP). In children, iron deficiency anemia usually is caused by helminthes.


Etiology of iron deficiency anemia :
1. Inadequate dietary intake. Poor diet or eating too little iron over an extended amount of time can cause a shortage in body.
2. Inability to absorb iron. Certain disease or surgery that affect the intestinal can interfere body to absorb the iron even they eat enough iron.
3. Increased iron requirement. Usually occurs during pregnancy or lactation.
4. Inadequate utilization. This is caused by chronic GI disease.

Symptoms :

- Pale skin

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Dizziness

- Brittle nails

- Cold hands and feet

- Headache

- Tongue swelling

- Shortness of breath

- Fast heartbeat

- Icteric