Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Baton Rouge, LA
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Typically, anemia occurs anytime an individual's blood does not have enough healthy red blood cells and, as a result, cannot deliver sufficient levels of oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in your body, inhibiting it from manufacturing hemoglobin. Hemoglobin (which is a protein found in red blood cells) carries oxygen. Without iron to aid in the production of hemoglobin, oxygen is not correctly distributed to the body. Iron deficiency and anemia might cause serious health complications if they are not treated. You can find help for anemia in Baton Rouge, LA. Should you suspect you have this condition, we encourage you to contact a Gastroenterology Associates location near you as soon as possible.
What causes anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of having below-normal amounts of iron in your blood. Iron is the element that allows the blood to make hemoglobin. A few different circumstances may precipitate this lack of iron:
- A problem absorbing iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- Being pregnant
- A deficiency of iron in your diet
- Intravascular hemolysis
- Loss of blood (heavy menstruation, chronic blood loss, etc.)
Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Infants and children
- Biological women
- Those who donate blood
- Those maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet
If you or someone you love is at risk for iron deficiency in Baton Rouge, LA, contact a provider at Gastroenterology Associates to ensure you do not suffer from anemia.
What are the symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
Low levels of oxygen cause an array of iron deficiency problems. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- A lack of color to the skin
- Hair loss
- Craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Nails that break easily
- A lack of strength
- Loss of appetite
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Fatigue that has no apparent reason
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Rapid heart rate
- Painful or smooth tongue
- Headache
Iron deficiency anemia should never be self-diagnosed, and taking iron supplements without medical supervision could be harmful. You should schedule an appointment if you suffer from any combination of the above-listed symptoms persistently.
In what ways is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are very straightforward and their intention is to get more iron in your body. However, some other conditions or medications can interfere with the absorption of iron. The most typical treatments for iron deficiency anemia involve:
- Surgery for internal bleeding
- Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
- Treatment for diseases that impede absorption, like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Iron supplements in conjunction with vitamin C
- Iron supplements on an empty stomach
- Oral contraceptives to reduce menstrual bleeding
- A diet including more iron-rich foods
- Taking iron tablets without antacids
Foods rich in iron:
- Leafy greens
- Beans
- Seafood
- Dried fruit
- Legumes
- Red meat (such as beef)
- Pork
- Poultry
Vitamin C-rich foods (to help with iron absorption):
- Kiwi
- Oranges
- Leafy greens
- Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
- Melons
- Broccoli
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia can cause dangerous medical problems if ignored. When the tissues and cells in your major organs do not receive the supply of oxygen they need, they begin to suffer damage or scarring. Additionally, your heart can be damaged because it is trying to supply additional blood to oxygen-deprived areas of the body. But our team offers care for anemia and iron deficiency in Baton Rouge, LA. Iron deficiency treatment might take 2 – 3 weeks to reverse symptoms. Depending on why you were anemic in the first place, you may need to consume iron supplements for an extensive period of time to ensure that the anemia does not resurface. If you or a family member has received a diagnosis of, or have suspicions of, anemia please get in touch with Gastroenterology Associates to ensure you get the care you deserve.
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