Lack of iron in the body or iron deficiencyAnemia is a very common problem. Both adults and children face it. It should be noted that in no case can not ignore this disease, since it can lead to serious consequences.
Iron is a metal that performs a number of very important functions in the body. In particular, it is part of hemoglobin and is responsible for the transport of oxygen to tissues and the removal of carbon dioxide from them.
Lack of iron in the blood: the main causes
Modern medicine knows many causes of such a disease:
Often, anemia is associated with inadequate intake of this metal together with food.
Sometimes the lack of iron in the body is caused by a deficiency of vitamins B12 and C, which are involved in the processes of its assimilation.
Iron deficiency anemia can be the result of severe blood loss.
The cause may be diseases of other organs and systems, in particular, kidney diseases, infections and parasitic infestations, abnormalities in the thyroid gland, the presence of tumors, severe exposure.
In any case, remember that the doctor is primarily obliged to determine the cause of the disease, and only then proceed to its treatment - only so you can achieve full recovery.
Lack of iron in the body: symptoms
Anemia is a disease that develops slowly andgradually. There are a few very characteristic symptoms, noticing that it's worth starting to worry. A person quickly becomes tired, becomes weak, drowsy, irritable or apathetic. Sometimes the disease can affect the condition of the skin - they become pale. In addition, the lack of iron primarily affects the work of the immune system - a person becomes more prone to colds and any other infectious diseases.
The lack of iron in the body and its consequences
As already mentioned, iron deficiency anemia -a very dangerous disease. For example, in children in the absence of treatment, it can affect mental and physical development. In addition, over time, the skin becomes dry, cracks appear on it, especially in the corners of the lips. The work of the immune and cardiovascular systems is disrupted. Deficiency of iron is closely associated with a lack of oxygen, which affects the state of the nervous system - a person suffers from headaches and insomnia, poorly concentrates and remembers better.
Treatment of iron deficiency
Undoubtedly, first of all the doctor shoulddetermine the cause of anemia. To do this, you need to collect a complete history, examine the patient's blood, check the work of some organs. By the way, iron deficiency anemia is not always visible by analysis - the number of red blood cells can be normal, but the ESR changes significantly.
After the cause is found and eliminated,it is necessary to quickly restore the normal level of this metal in the body. To this end, the doctor appoints special iron preparations. In addition, the patient needs to monitor his diet, give up coffee and nicotine. A lot of iron is found in red meats, peas, buckwheat, liver, beets, parsley, apples, almonds and other products.
