Iron Deficiency anemia is characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin. It occurs when the body lacks sufficient iron to create adequate hemoglobin, the oxygen-binding component of red blood cells. When there is insufficient hemoglobin in circulation, not enough oxygen reaches all regions of the body. Consequently, organs and tissues may not operate effectively, and the individual may have several symptoms that interfere with daily activities.
Iron deficiency anemia is the most prevalent kind of anemia, and one of the most widespread deficiency, affecting 30 percent of the global population. It is caused mainly by iron-deficient diets. Furthermore, a person may develop an iron deficiency if they lose significant blood due to an accident, childbirth, or heavy menstruation.
Also, chronic illnesses or certain tumors may cause steady blood loss in rare situations, leading to anemia. Some individuals cannot absorb enough iron from the food they consume. This may be a result from a digestive illness in the small intestine, including Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, or if a section of the small intestine has been removed.
Almost everyone may develop iron-deficiency anemia. Its symptoms, such as fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and paleness, manifest over time. Iron supplements may also be prescribed to treat iron-deficiency anemia.
Fatigue
Anemia’s most prevalent clinical symptom, fatigue, is also the most reported concerning aspect of the disease for patients. Unfortunately, this symptom is also prevalent in individuals who do not have enough iron, even if they haven’t been diagnosed with iron deficiency. This unexplained tiredness is brought about by the lack of iron in the body. Iron is required to produce a protein known as hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the body.
If there is not enough hemoglobin, less oxygen gets to the tissues and muscles, depriving them of their ability to produce energy. Additionally, since the heart has to pump more oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, it must work harder, which might cause the patient to feel more exhausted. It is challenging to diagnose iron deficiency based on the symptom of fatigue since exhaustion is often associated with the fast-paced, contemporary lifestyle. Nevertheless, fatigue brought on by a lack of iron may go along with other symptoms, such as irritability, weakness, or trouble focusing. Other underlying symptoms may include pallor, dyspnea, and pale skin. If you have been getting enough rest but are still feeling tired, you should get your iron levels examined.
