Iron deficiency anaemia is incredibly prevalent and usually the least harmful form of anaemia. People with this condition find themselves lacking enough red blood cells, which transport oxygen throughout the body.
This usually occurs because – as the name suggests – there’s insufficient iron in the body. Iron is vital for the production of haemoglobin, which is what allows oxygen to be carried in the red blood cells. Consequently, anaemic individuals tend to get tired easily and often have difficulty breathing.
Fortunately, iron deficiency is very treatable. One only needs to consume iron supplements regularly or correct their diet to fix this issue. Sometimes, you may be required to get additional treatments or tests, mostly in cases where doctors detect internal bleeding.
Often, people go their whole lives without realising they have a problem. But, with early intervention, you can get the help you need and prevent any serious complications from arising. Read on to learn how to spot the signs early on.
1. Feeling fatigued
Chronic fatigue and a sudden drop in energy are some solid signs that you may not get enough iron. Oxygen must be allowed to move freely throughout the body so that all cells can operate at their peak levels.
Haemoglobin binds to oxygen, but an anaemic person’s red blood cells won’t contain enough haemoglobin to enable this. For these individuals, there will be issues when red blood cells attempt to transport oxygen throughout the body. In these cases, they may feel lethargic when the muscles and essential organs receive less oxygen.
Typically, this just causes mild fatigue. Extreme fatigue, however, is a sign of a potential underlying cause for deep exhaustion, so you should get medical help immediately if this persists.
2. Having palpitations
Palpitations occur when your heart beats irregularly. This is because it will have to exert twice as much effort to compensate for the deficiency of oxygen present in your blood and move it throughout the body.
Breathing becomes more challenging when there aren’t enough red blood cells. Hence, palpitations are frequently accompanied by a feeling of being out of breath. There simply aren’t enough red blood cells to transfer sufficient oxygen from the lungs to your heart.
3. Having heavier periods
People who frequently have heavy periods are more likely to develop anaemia due to the blood loss each month during menstruation. This will be especially occurrent if the lost iron is not restored (either by consuming foods high in iron or by consuming iron supplements).
4. Experiencing frequent headaches
Another indication that you may be anaemic is if you are experiencing frequent headaches. When it comes to a blood condition, headaches typically signify that the brain isn’t getting enough oxygen. The result is discomfort when the arteries located in the brain begin to swell. You can get more headaches if there isn’t enough blood flowing through your arteries.
Headaches by themselves may not necessarily mean that you are anaemic. The only way to be certain that you don’t have another ailment or illness that also causes headaches is by having your doctor perform the relevant tests.
Conclusion
Although iron deficiency anaemia is typically a minor health issue, if left unaddressed for a prolonged period, it can develop into a very significant problem. Around the world, many individuals are impacted by this blood condition. That’s why it’s essential to be mindful and take charge of your own health.
If you’ve noticed any or all of these symptoms and are looking to have an online medical consultationregarding the situation, the MYCLNQ app facilitates these interactions and more. Contact us today to learn more.