Show rt t i a MEDICALLY MICA L SPEAKING PI 1 Vernal Venial Family u Health Center f Iron Iron deficiency anemia described What is Iron Deficiency Anemia LG Vernal Actually the word anemia means without blood but we use it to indicate Indicate in indicate In- In low blood or insufficient amounts of red blood cells to meet the body's needs There are different types of anemia but by far the most common type is Iron Deficiency Anemia This Isa is isa isa a condition in which the red blood cells contain too little iron Since hemoglobin is composed of protein and Iron iron deficiency anemia also means low hemoglobin content in the red blood cells What are the symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia 1 weakness 2 2 easy fatigability and reduced interest in social activity 3 3 irritability because of or fatigue often accompanied by headache 4 4 when anemia is severe tingling numbness palpitation and pain in joints may occur Some patients have mouth sores and difficulty swallowing Sometimes appearance is deceiving Paleness is more apparent in some than in others You should rely upon your doctors doctor's tests to determine the presence and the severity of anemia The incidence varies in different parts carts of the world but in this country about 3 percent of men and 10 30 percent of women have Iron Deficiency Anemia About one in five patients admitted to general hospitals has an iron deficiency anemia It cart happen to anyone In general iron deficiency is caused by one of two factors too little ir iron taken into the body and too much iron lost from the body What conditions cause too little Ironto iron ironto ironto to be taken into the body 1 Poor diet Elderly patients are particularly prone to poor nutrition Often because they must eat alone they prepare less food Sometimes the elderly intestinal tract does not absorb nor assimilate food as aswell aswell aswell well as it should Occasionally a limited inc income does n not t iti stretch far eno enough to include iron rich foods foods Pregnant pd I tents Iron havea ave a t tendency nd j i ty t to v rop 11 t iron deficiency anemia due to low food intake because of nausea poor in intestinal intestinal intestinal in- in absorption or and-or the increased increased increased in in- creased needs of the pregnancy itself It is estimated that up to 60 percent of pregnant women have some degree of iron deficiency Fad diets Weight-conscious Weight girls and mothers may eat an inadequate diet as they struggle to lose weight Ill IlI-fi IlI Ill fitting fitting dentures and certain operations such as removal of the stomach may also prevent the patient from eating enough iron-containing iron foods especially meat 2 Illness that prevents an individual from assimilating enough iron from the intestinal tract 3 3 Chronic infections may destroy red blood cells What conditions cause e too much iron ironto ironto ironto to be lost from the body Excessive loss of menstrual blood The average loss is one or two ounces but this loss of blood may be as much as asa asa asa a pint Women with heavy menstrual periods frequently develop iron deficiency anemia Repeated pregnancies Many women women lose up to one pint or more of blood with each pregnancy If these pregnancies are close and if the woman is unable to manufacture blood rapidly enough she may develop iron deficiency anemia Bleeding ulcers or other bowel disease may cause loss of blood Injuries Injuries In juries accompanied by severe hemorrhage Should iron deficiency anemia be corrected The cause of the Iron loss should be determined and corrected For instance excessive menstrual bleeding can usually be controlled Other bleeding whether acute e or Chronic must be stopped t Poor dietary habits must be corrected Supplemental l iron can be provided that quickly restores the hemoglobin and replenishes the body stores of iron There are two sources of iron for the body food and supplemental supplemental sup sup- iron What are the best boos to provide iron for the body Liver meat and fish especially shellfish Cereals vegetables nuts beans milk and eggs also furnish iron but in smaller amounts and this iron is b not as readily available to the body A certain amount of Iron can be stored in the body For Instance not only is there iron In the blood itself but about 30 percent of or the body's normal iron supply is stored in the liver bone marrow marro and spleen What Is the best way for a person to take supplemental Iron to correct iron deficiency anemia Iron can be used more easily if It Is in the soluble form ferrous salts and If it Is taken along with orange juice Some have ascorbic acid Vitamin C added to the supplemental iron to make it easier for the body to absorb If the iron deficiency anemia is due to poor dietary habits vitamins may also be deficient Such individuals may need to take vitamins along with the iron But we would have to take enormous quantities of the best rich iron-rich food to equal the amount of iron in even one dose of the iron supplement given you by your doctor Likewise the supplemental iron is ismore ismore ismore more easily absorbed than the iron found in food The body can absorb only so much iron each day To take more than this amount is useless and may even be harmful Stick to the dose prescribed Since iron in a large overdose can be toxic for children it is important that iron be kept in proof child containers that cannot be opened by children Your doctor will prescribe the amount that is best for your specific case However do not be alarmed if doctor suggests that you continue iron Iron deficiency anemia can be successfully treated Follow your doctors doctor's directions because he knows your particular needs Dr Evans will answer questions of general interest through this column Hyou If H you have any comments or questions please send them to the Vernal Express Ex Ex- press |