Iron-Deficiency Anemia (Adult)

Red blood cells carry oxygen to the tissues and organs of your body. Hemoglobin is the iron-rich protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen from your lungs to your body. Anemia is a condition in which you have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells. You need iron to make hemoglobin and red blood cells. Iron-deficiency anemia is caused when there is not enough iron to make the hemoglobin in red blood cells. Anemia symptoms may vary from person to person. It generally makes you feel tired and run down. When anemia becomes bad, your skin becomes pale. You may feel short of breath or have chest pain after physical activity. Other symptoms include:

• Headaches, especially with physical activity

• Rapid heart rate

• Pounding or whooshing in the ears

• General weakness, drowsiness, or dizziness

• Brittle nails or hair loss

• Leg cramps with physical activity

• Restless legs

• Urge to eat ice or nonfood items, such as paper or clay

Your anemia is a result of not having enough iron in your body. This may be because of:

• Loss of blood from heavy menstrual periods or bleeding from the stomach or intestines.

• Major surgery or physical trauma

• Not eating enough foods that contain iron

• Not being able to absorb iron from the foods you eat

• Pregnancy

If your blood count is low enough, your healthcare provider may prescribe an iron supplement. It usually takes about 2 to 3 months of treatment with iron supplements to correct anemia. IV iron may be prescribed when there are issues with iron absorption in people who do not tolerate oral iron. This might also be needed during the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Severe cases of anemia need a blood transfusion to quickly ease symptoms and deliver more oxygen to the cells.