What is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia results from low or depleted stores of iron, which is needed to produce red blood cells. Excessive bleeding is the most common cause. People may be weak, short of breath, and pale. Blood tests can detect low levels of iron.
What is the main cause of anemia?
What causes anemia? The most common cause of anemia is low levels of iron in the body. This type of anemia is called iron-deficiency anemia. Your body needs a certain amount of iron to make hemoglobin, the substance that moves oxygen throughout your body.
What is the difference between iron deficiency and anemia?
Anemia is caused by lack of Hemoglobin. Iron Deficiency is caused by lack of Iron. Iron Deficiency with Anemia is caused by both a lack of Iron AND a lack of Hemoglobin.
Do you get sick more often with anemia?
If iron deficiency anaemia is left untreated, it can make you more susceptible to illness and infection, as a lack of iron affects the body’s natural defence system (the immune system).
What are the risks of severe anemia?
Left untreated, anemia can cause many health problems, such as:
- Severe fatigue. Severe anemia can make you so tired that you can’t complete everyday tasks.
- Pregnancy complications. Pregnant women with folate deficiency anemia may be more likely to have complications, such as premature birth.
- Heart problems.
- Death.
What does anemia fatigue feel like?
People who are anemic most often experience fatigue. While it’s normal to feel tired after a long day at work or a heavy exercise session, when you’re anemic, you feel weary after shorter and shorter periods of exertion as your body’s cells become starved for oxygen.
What does severe anemia feel like?
The bottom line This often depends on the severity of the anemia. Common signs and symptoms include tiredness, pale skin, feeling short of breath, and dry and damaged hair and skin. If you think you have symptoms of iron deficiency, talk to your doctor.