What is anemia? Everything you need to know about iron deficiency

When the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood is lower than normal, a complication called anemia occurs. If anemia is severe, it can be quite dangerous. To fully understand what anemia is and why it occurs, stay with us until the end of this article. We will also explain to you about the treatment of anemia. What is anemia?

What is anemia?

Anemia is a condition in which the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin is lower than normal. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, and hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. When you’re anemic, your body can’t get enough oxygen; As a result, symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness, headache, and paleness will be observed.

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What are the types of anemia?

There are different types of anemia, each of which is caused by different causes. The most common and important types of anemia are:

• Iron deficiency anemia: Iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia. Iron is a mineral that is essential for the production of hemoglobin.
• Megaloblastic anemia: This type of anemia is caused by vitamin B12 or folate (folic acid) deficiency in the body. These two vitamins, both of which are in the group of B vitamins, are necessary for the production of red blood cells.
• Hemolytic anemia: This type of anemia is caused by the excessive destruction of red blood cells. Autoimmune diseases, infections, or the use of certain drugs can affect the destruction of red blood cells.
• Aplastic anemia: A decrease in the production of red blood cells in the bone marrow leads to aplastic anemia. As in the previous case, factors such as autoimmune diseases, some infections and the use of some drugs can be the reason for the decrease in the production of red blood cells.

Anemia is treated according to its type and cause. We will talk more about this in this article Iron deficiency anemia We will give you information. If you are wondering what are the most important symptoms of anemia, take a look at the image below:

What is the cause of anemia?

In response to the question, what is anemia? We must say that The cause of anemia It depends on its type. The most important causes of anemia are:

• Iron deficiency (iron deficiency)
• Vitamin B12 deficiency
• Folate (folic acid) deficiency
• Heavy bleeding (due to surgery, injury or hemophilia)
• Excessive destruction of red blood cells
• Decreased production of red blood cells in the bone marrow

In addition to the mentioned cases, age, gender, pregnancy, and certain medical conditions (such as hypothyroidism, Crohn’s disease, and kidney disease) can also be the cause of anemia.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

What are the symptoms of anemia in iron deficiency? As we said, iron deficiency anemia is the most common type of anemia and is caused by iron deficiency in the body. Iron is an essential substance for the production of hemoglobin in the blood. Iron deficiency anemia causes the body not to receive enough oxygen Symptoms of anemia to emerge The most important signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia are:

Unusual fatigue is one of the most important symptoms of anemia

Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Fatigue caused by iron deficiency anemia may be severe and not relieved even by rest. When the hemoglobin in the blood is low, less oxygen reaches the tissues and in this case the heart has to work harder. Hence, unusual fatigue occurs. But unusual fatigue can have other reasons besides iron deficiency. So if you have this problem, see a doctor.

Shortness of breath is a symptom of iron deficiency anemia

What are the other symptoms of anemia? Shortness of breath is another symptom of iron deficiency anemia. Shortness of breath caused by iron deficiency anemia may occur during exercise, climbing stairs or even while resting. When oxygen supply in the blood is disrupted due to iron deficiency, shortness of breath occurs due to the reduction of oxygen in the blood.

dizziness and headache; A sign of anemia

Dizziness from iron deficiency anemia may make you feel light-headed or dizzy. Headache is also a symptom of anemia. This type of headache can be mild or severe. Lack of oxygen caused by iron deficiency in the body causes blood vessels in the brain to swell and the resulting pressure can cause headaches.

pale skin; One of the most important symptoms of anemia

In the lower eyelid, signs of anemia are clearly visible. When you pull down the lower eyelid, if the blood vessels are few and the red color is not well seen, anemia may be present. Pale skin due to iron deficiency can be seen on the face, lips and nails. When you lower the eyelid, if the color is pale pink, you should suspect anemia. Paleness of the skin is also as if the skin has lost its luster and looks yellow.

What are the symptoms of anemia? heart beat

When the normal heartbeat is out of normal and intensified, it is called palpitation. In iron deficiency anemia, the level of hemoglobin in the blood is low and the heart has to work harder than usual to deliver oxygen to the body’s tissues. Therefore, heart palpitations are one of the symptoms of anemia.

Dry skin and hair loss; An important symptom of anemia

What is another symptom of anemia? If you have recently experienced dry skin and hair, it may be a sign of anemia. Due to lack of iron and lack of hemoglobin, oxygen delivery to the tissues is limited and not enough oxygen reaches the skin and hair. As a result, the hair becomes dry, falls out, and the skin looks dry and rough.

Swelling of the tongue due to anemia

One of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia is swelling of the tongue. When the tongue becomes inflamed or strangely smooth, there may be a complication of anemia in the body. In this case, pain may also be felt. Also, dry mouth and lips and cracked lips can be considered as symptoms of anemia.

Restless leg syndrome due to anemia

Restless legs syndrome is a sleep disorder that makes you feel like you need to move your legs. Restless leg syndrome is one of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia, but it may also be caused by other factors. So if you have this problem, you need to see a doctor.

Cold hands and feet, frequent infections, feeling anxious and having strange food cravings can be other symptoms of anemia.

Craving for chalk, dirt, paper and ice is one of the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia.

What are the symptoms of severe anemia in women?

Symptoms of severe anemia in women It includes the following:

• paleness
• Feeling weak and tired
• Shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• Cracking of the corners of the lips
• heart beat
• Headache and dizziness
• Unusual food cravings

What are the complications of anemia?

Complications of anemia It varies based on the type and severity of anemia. Some of the most important complications of anemia are:

• Excessive fatigue
• Constant feeling of weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Headache and dizziness
• Pale skin
• Restless leg syndrome
• Swelling of the tongue, mouth and lips

What are the complications of severe anemia?

Dangerous complications of anemia Severe includes the following:

• Heart failure: Anemia can increase the pressure on the heart and lead to heart failure.
• Pregnancy problems: Iron deficiency and anemia may increase the risk of pregnancy problems such as premature birth, low birth weight, and stillbirth.
• Growth disorders in children: Anemia can disrupt children’s growth and development and have a negative effect on children’s weight gain and height.

Of course, be careful that the complications of anemia are different based on the type of anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can only be cured by taking iron tablets. But some other types of anemia may require other treatments such as surgery or bone marrow transplant. If you have anemia, you should see a doctor to get the necessary treatment.

What is the best way to treat anemia?

What is the best way to treat anemia? What should we eat to treat anemia? First, the type of anemia must be diagnosed under the supervision of a doctor. Iron supplements should usually be used to treat iron deficiency anemia. These supplements can be in the form of tablets, capsules, syrup or drops. In some cases, iron may need to be injected into the body. Iron injections are usually used for people who cannot absorb iron well by mouth or who have severe anemia.

If you have folate deficiency anemia, take folic acid tablets, and if you have vitamin B12 anemia, take vitamin B12 tablets.

Home treatment of anemia

One of the frequently asked questions is what is the home treatment for anemia? If your doctor has diagnosed you with anemia, you must use the medicine or supplement prescribed by him. In addition to drug treatment, you can also use sources rich in iron to Treatment of anemia be helped The richest foods containing iron are:

• Red Meat
• Chicken
• Fish
• Legumes such as beans and lentils
• Dark green leafy vegetables such as spinach
• Cereals fortified with iron

Also, to treat anemia, it is necessary to remove smoking and alcohol from your life and do regular exercise.

Important note: If you use vitamin C along with iron sources, iron will be better absorbed in your body. In addition to iron sources, use oranges, lemons and other citrus fruits so that your anemia can be treated sooner.

To treat anemia in children, be sure to see a doctor so that the supplement dose is determined by him.

Introduction of medicinal plants for anemia

Some medicinal plants can be an ideal option for treating anemia:

• horsetail plant
• Nettle plant
• Oregano plant
• Parsley

You can make tea with these herbs and eat it. Of course, consult a doctor about the use of medicinal plants; Especially if you have a certain disease or take a certain medicine.

Treatment of anemia in traditional medicine

What is the treatment of anemia in traditional medicine? In traditional medicine, it is generally believed that anemia is caused by an imbalance in the body’s four components. The four mixtures are: bile, Soda, phlegm, and blood. Anemia is usually caused by a decrease in blood or a decrease in blood quality. In traditional Iranian medicine, anemia is treated based on its cause. Iron deficiency anemia should be treated with blood-forming foods. Hematopoietic foods include:

• Consumption of red meat, chicken and fish
• Consumption of legumes
• Consumption of dark leafy vegetables

It is also recommended to use nettle decoction, burdock root, fennel root and honey.

Learn more: Which is the most useful plant for anemia?

Table of recommended daily amount of iron

What is the recommended daily intake of iron?

Read more: Does anemia prevent pregnancy?

Death due to anemia

What are the dangerous complications of anemia? Anemia can lead to death, but this usually occurs in severe cases of anemia or in people who also have other underlying diseases. Severe anemia puts extra pressure on the brain and heart and may lead to death. Often, if you do not have an underlying disease, anemia is not so dangerous and life-threatening for you.

A final word on what is anemia?

Anemia is a very common complication, especially in women, which has different types, and one of the most common is related to iron deficiency. Iron deficiency causes the tissues to not be well supplied with oxygen and causes adverse effects. If you have iron deficiency anemia, consult your doctor to buy iron tablets. In the end, if you have any questions, be sure to leave us a comment. We will respond to you as soon as possible.