Anemia Iron deficiency Essential

Essential iron deficiency anemia: causes, symptoms and treatment

Essential iron deficiency anemia, also known as a. sideropenica essentialis, is one of the most common forms of anemia. It is characterized by a lack of iron in the body, which leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. This form of anemia is essential because its main cause is iron deficiency, despite adequate nutrition.

The causes of essential iron deficiency anemia can be varied. However, the most common factors influencing the development of this disease are a lack of iron in the diet, insufficient absorption of iron in the intestines, loss of iron due to bleeding (for example, due to heavy monthly bleeding in women or chronic bleeding from the gastrointestinal tract) and increased body needs for iron (for example, during pregnancy or lactation).

Symptoms of essential iron deficiency anemia can vary depending on the degree and duration of iron deficiency. However, the most common symptoms are weakness, fatigue, pale skin and mucous membranes, shortness of breath, dizziness, increased fragility of nails, brittle hair and decreased immunity. Some people may have a strange desire to eat unusual things, such as ice or clay (a condition called pica).

The diagnosis of essential iron deficiency anemia is usually made based on the results of blood tests, such as a complete blood count and measurement of ferritin (the body's iron storage protein). Additional studies, such as studying blood iron binding capacity and transferrin iron saturation, can be carried out to confirm the diagnosis and determine the causes of iron deficiency.

Treatment of essential iron deficiency anemia is aimed at eliminating the lack of iron in the body. In most cases, oral iron supplements are prescribed to help correct iron deficiency. It is also recommended to include iron-rich foods in your diet, such as red meat, poultry, fish, beans, nuts, green vegetables and whole grains. In the case of bleeding or other underlying causes of iron deficiency, it is necessary to identify and treat the underlying condition or stop the source of blood loss.

In addition, it is important to pay attention to additional factors that may affect the absorption of iron in the body. For example, vitamin C helps improve iron absorption, so your doctor may recommend increasing your intake of foods rich in this vitamin. You should also avoid drinking tea and coffee as they may limit iron absorption.

It should be noted that treatment for essential iron deficiency anemia may take some time before iron levels in the body are restored to normal levels. Therefore, regular medical monitoring and blood tests may be required to assess the effectiveness of treatment and adjust the dosage of drugs.

In conclusion, essential iron deficiency anemia is a common disease caused by a lack of iron in the body. Early consultation with a doctor, accurate diagnosis and timely treatment play an important role in overcoming this condition. Following your doctor's recommendations, eating right, and taking iron supplements will help return your body's iron levels to normal and improve your overall health.