Anemia (cont.)
Can not enough iron cause anemia?
Absolutely! This is because iron is major component of
hemoglobin and essential for its proper function. Chronic blood loss due to any
reason is the main cause of low iron level in the body as it depletes the body's
iron stores to compensate for the ongoing loss of iron. Anemia that is due to
low iron levels is called iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency it is a very common cause of anemia.
Women are more likely than men to have iron deficiency anemia because of the loss of blood each month through normal
menstruation. This is generally without any major symptoms as the blood loss is relatively small and temporary.
Iron deficiency anemia can also be due to small repeated
l bleeding, for instance from colon cancer or from
stomach ulcers. Stomach ulcer
bleeding that may or may no be induced by medications even very common over-the-counter drugs
as aspirin and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin). In infants and young children, iron deficiency anemia is most often due to a diet lacking iron.
Interpretation of CBC may lead to clues to suggest this type of anemia. For instance, iron deficiency anemia usually presents with low mean corpuscular volume (microcytic anemia) in addition to low hemoglobin.
What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
Acute blood loss from internal bleeding (as from a bleeding ulcer) or external bleeding (as from trauma) can produce anemia in an amazingly short span of time. This type of anemia could result in severe symptoms and consequences if not addressed promptly.
Next: What are other causes of anemia? »
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