Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Little Rock, AR
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Generally, anemia develops when one's blood lacks a sufficient amount of healthy red blood cells and is unable to deliver sufficient levels of oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a commonly seen type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in one's body which inhibits it from creating hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that distributes oxygen. Without iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen is not sufficiently spread throughout the body. Iron deficiency and anemia could cause dangerous health concerns when they are not treated. You can find care for anemia in Little Rock, AR. If you suspect that you or a loved one may have anemia or iron deficiency then we urge you to contact a GastroArkansas location in your community today.
What causes anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of having below normal amounts of iron in your blood. Iron is the element that enables the blood to create hemoglobin. This iron deficiency can be caused by several different factors such as:
- An inability to absorb iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- Pregnancy
- Intravascular hemolysis
- A deficiency of iron in one's diet
- Blood loss, (heavy menstruation, chronic blood loss, etc.)
Those at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia might include:
- Vegetarians/vegans
- Those who donate blood
- Females
- Infants and children
If you or someone you love suspects iron deficiency, reach out to a provider at a GastroArkansas location near you to be certain that you do not suffer from anemia.
What are the symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
Insufficient oxygen can cause several iron deficiency concerns. The most frequent symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Fast heartbeat (tachycardia)
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Pain in one's head
- The craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Shortness of breath or pain in one's chest
- Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Brittle nails
- Loss of appetite
- The feeling of being weak
- Loss of hair
- Paleness of the skin
Iron deficiency anemia should never be self-diagnosed, and taking iron supplements without a doctor's supervision might be harmful. Help is available for iron deficiency in Little Rock, AR. See your provider if you frequently experience any combination of the above symptoms. If you are suffering from these symptoms, we urge you to contact a local GastroArkansas team and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are quite straightforward and they aim to get more iron in one's body. It is important to note, however, that several conditions and/or medications can interfere with the absorption of iron. The most typical treatments for iron deficiency anemia involve:
- Surgery or treatment for internal bleeding
- Taking iron supplements without antacids
- Taking iron supplements on an empty stomach
- Taking iron supplements in tandem with vitamin C
- Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
- Use of oral contraceptives to reduce menstrual bleeding
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
- Treatment for diseases that impede absorption, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease
Foods rich in iron:
- Red meat - Beef
- Dried fruit
- Pork
- Beans
- Leafy greens
- Poultry
- Legumes
- Seafood
Foods rich in vitamin C (to help with iron absorption):
- Grapefruit
- Oranges
- Broccoli
- Melons
- Kiwi
- Tomatoes
- Leafy greens
It is always best to speak with a skilled GI specialist to determine the best treatment options for your specific needs. Contact a local GastroArkansas provider that can assist you in diagnosing and treating your iron deficiency in Little Rock, AR without delay.
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia could result in serious medical situations if ignored. When the cells and tissues in the major organs are not provided with the supply of oxygen they require, they begin to suffer damage or scarring. It is also important to note that with iron deficiency anemia, one's heart can be damaged because it is trying to supply more blood to oxygen-deprived portions of the body. However, help is available for iron deficiency anemia in Little Rock, AR. It may take 2 – 3 weeks of iron deficiency treatment before symptoms stop. Depending on why you were anemic in the first place, you may need to take iron supplements for an extensive amount of time to make certain that the anemia will not return. If you or a family member has been diagnosed with, or have suspicions of, anemia please connect with a GastroArkansas location in your community to gain peace of mind that you receive expert treatment for your condition.
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