Iron-deficiency anaemia
is anemia caused by a lack of iron. Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of in the blood. When onset is slow, symptoms are often vague, such as feeling tired, weak, short of breath, or having decreased ability to exercise. Anemia that comes on quickly often has more severe symptoms, including confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out or increased thirst. Anemia is typically significant before a person becomes noticeably pale. Children with iron anemia may have problems with growth and development. There may be additional symptoms depending on the underlying cause.
Underlined words are explained — tap any of them.
Symptoms — what it feels like
- ·Feeling tired, weakness, shortness of breath, confusion, pallor
Causes — why it happens
- ·Iron
How it's found
- ·Blood tests
Treatment
- ·Dietary changes, medications,
Complications
- ·Heart failure, , frequent
The sections below are general education drawn from public guidelines (NHS, Mayo, CPIC, WHO, ICMR). They are not individually reviewed by a clinician and are not medical advice — always talk to a doctor about your own health.
When to see a doctor
See a doctor if you feel very tired, look pale, get breathless or dizzy easily, have headaches, cold hands and feet, or notice heavy periods. A simple blood test can check for low iron, and it is important to find why iron is low.
Get urgent care for severe breathlessness, chest pain, a very fast or pounding heart, fainting, or if you are passing black or bloody stools or vomiting blood. These need immediate attention.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. When in doubt, see a doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
- ?Which blood tests confirm low iron and how low is it?
- ?What is causing my iron to be low?
- ?Do I need any tests to check for bleeding inside?
- ?Which foods help boost my iron?
- ?How and when should my levels be rechecked?
- ?Which symptoms mean I should return sooner?
What to note before your visit
- ·when tiredness or pale skin started
- ·heavy periods or any bleeding, including in stool
- ·your usual diet
- ·current medicines and supplements