Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Houston, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Anemia typically occurs any time a person's blood lacks the supply of healthy red cells needed to carry adequate oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a commonly seen type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in the body which disables it from making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that distributes oxygen. In the absence of iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be sufficiently spread throughout one's body. Anemia and iron deficiency could cause serious health problems if left untreated. Help is available for anemia in Houston, TX. If you believe you or a loved one might have anemia or iron deficiency then we urge you to reach out to Gastroenterology Consultants as soon as possible.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is a consequence of having blood iron levels below the normal amount. Iron is the thing that allows the blood to make hemoglobin. An iron deficiency can be caused by a variety of differing factors:
- Intravascular hemolysis
- A problem absorbing iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- An insufficient amount of iron in one's diet
- Loss of blood (chronic blood loss)
- Being pregnant
Groups at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia may include:
- Participants in blood donation
- Infants and children
- Those maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Females
If you suspect iron deficiency, reach out to a physician at Gastroenterology Consultants to be certain that you do not suffer from anemia.
What are some symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
A lack of sufficient oxygen in the body can create a number of health problems. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia could include:
- Nails that break easily
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid heart rate
- Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
- The feeling of being weak
- The craving of ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- A lack of color to the skin
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Cold hands and feet
- Pain in one's head
- Hair loss
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that must be diagnosed by a professional. Please note that using iron supplements to treat iron deficiency anemia without guidance can be harmful for your health. Help is available for iron deficiency in Houston, TX. Consult with your doctor if you experience any combination of the above symptoms persistently. If you or someone you love is suffering from these symptoms, we encourage you to get in touch with a local Gastroenterology Consultants practice and let them know you suspect the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are simple and have one purpose: to boost the iron on your blood to a healthy level. However, a number of conditions or medications might interfere with the absorption of iron. The most common ways to treat iron deficiency anemia include:
- Surgery for internal bleeding
- Use of oral contraceptives for reduction of menstrual bleeding
- Taking iron tablets on an empty stomach
- Eating more iron-rich foods
- Receiving treatment for conditions that impede absorption, such as Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Taking iron tablets without antacids
- Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
- Swallowing iron supplements in at the same time as vitamin C
Iron-rich foods:
- Leafy greens
- Dried fruit
- Poultry
- Legumes
- Seafood
- Pork
- Beef or other red meat
- Beans
Foods rich in vitamin C (to aid in iron absorption):
- Melons
- Oranges
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Kiwi
- Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
Complete treatment for anemia
If ignored, iron deficiency anemia can have a seriously adverse effect on your health. When the tissues and cells in the major organs do not receive the amount of oxygen they must have, they begin to suffer damage or scarring. It is also important to note that in cases of iron deficiency anemia, the heart can sustain damage from trying to supply more blood to oxygen-deprived areas of the body. But our team offers care for iron deficiency anemia in Houston, TX. Iron deficiency treatment might require two to three weeks to stop symptoms. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you could need to consume iron supplements for an extensive period of time to ensure that the anemia will not resurface. If you have been diagnosed with, or have suspicions of, anemia, please consult with Gastroenterology Consultants to be certain that you get expert treatment for your condition.
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