Iron deficiency anemia

Anaemia is a decrease in haemoglobin and/or red blood cells (erythrocytes).
They are essential for carrying oxygen to all tissues and organs in the body.

Different laboratories have different hemoglobin reference values, but the following values are accepted as standard:

• for men – over 130g/l
• for women – over 120g/l
• for pregnant women – 100 g/l.

Very often anemias proceed asymptomatically.
This mainly depends on the severity of the anemia.
However, when it is a chronic process that occurs slowly over time, the body adapts to these lower haemoglobin values and the anaemia is not felt because of a lack of symptoms.
The main symptoms also vary from the mildest, such as easy tiredness, reduced performance, to progressive, associated with a lack of oxygen to each cell.
We may have distractibility, irritability, impaired concentration, brittle nails.

In anemias associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, the most characteristic symptoms are:

• lack of appetite
• neurological symptomatology (polyneuropathy, memory disorders, behavioural changes)

According to its severity it is divided into:

• mild anemic syndrome
• moderate anaemic syndrome
• severe anaemic syndrome

According to the cause of occurrence:

• anemias caused by decreased red blood cell synthesis
• anaemias resulting in destruction of red blood cells
• anaemias resulting from increased consumption.

To diagnose the type of anemia it is necessary to examine:

• iron
• HOA
• ferritin
• vitamin B12 level
• folic acid

Vitamin B12 deficiency is most common in patients over 65 years of age.
Such people develop megaloblastic anemia.
Then it is necessary to conduct substitution therapy.

During pregnancy and lactation, the flow of iron goes from the mother to the child, then the mother develops iron deficiency.
Therefore, it is good to monitor the iron, LSC, ferritin values during pregnancy, during lactation and in the period up to 3 months after the end of lactation.

The therapeutic approach in the first place is determined by the type of anemia. In secondary anaemias that result from another disease , the underlying disease should be treated. It is important that a person does not conduct self-treatment. When a deficiency state is detected, it is most appropriate for a physician to determine the type of replacement therapy, the dosage, and the duration of therapy prescribed.

The basis of disease prevention is preventive examinations, which should be carried out annually.