Iron Deficiency Anaemia is by far the most common type of anaemia found in most parts of the world, especially in the developing countries. The most common causes of iron deficiency anaemia are:
- Inadequate dietary intake of iron
- Bleeding, resulting in increased loss of iron
- Deficiency in absorption of dietary iron from the intestine, known as malabsorption
Inadequate dietary intake of iron
- A child in whom weaning is delayed or not proper can develop iron deficiency anaemia as milk is a very poor source of iron.
- In adolescents there occurs a sudden increase in the iron requirement due to growth spurt, and this may lead to imbalance between dietary intake and requirement of iron, causing iron deficiency anaemia.
Bleeding, resulting in increased loss of iron
- There is a cyclic loss of blood in women during menstruation. A pregnant mother also requires additional iron for the growing fetus and for herself. These factors result in iron deficiency anaemia being more common in women than men during their reproductive years.
- In the middle-aged and elderly, iron deficiency anaemia can be as a result of various bleeding disorders of the gastro-intestinal system like gastric ulcers, hookworm infestation, etc.
- Many drugs are also known to cause gastro-intestinal bleeding when taken over a long period of time – the most commonly used group being the anti-iflammatory drugs, prescribed for chronic joint pains.
Apart from these common causes, there are some disorders known as malabsorption disorders which prevent adequate absorption of iron from the intestine, causing iron deficiency anaemia.
Diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Examination of the blood and peripheral blood film is usually adequate to establish the diagnosis of anaemia and usually involves the following tests:
- Haemoglobin level estimation
- Total Red blood cell count
- Reticulocyte count
In addition, examination of the stool for occult blood, urine, bone marrow as well as other special investigations may sometimes be required.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia Treatment
Iron deficiency anaemia is commonly treated with oral iron supplements in the form of ferrous sulphate tablets. These tablets contain 200mg of the salt and 60mg of elemental iron, to be taken thrice daily. They can cause dyspepsia, constipation or diarrhoea in a small proportion of patients. Some patients may require injections in the form of iron-sorbitol or iron-dextran. |
