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How is iron deficiency anaemia diagnosed?

Because there are many potential causes of iron deficiency anaemia, your doctor will need to take your full medical history and perform a physical examination to identify the most likely cause of iron deficiency or blood loss. Other tests that may be used include: 1) A full blood count to assess the size, shape and colour of the red blood cells. In iron deficiency anaemia, the red blood cells are typically small, colourless and fewer in number than in normal blood samples. 2) If the cause of your iron deficiency anaemia is not known, it may be caused by 'occult' (hidden) bleeding or malabsorption from your gastrointestinal tract. This may be investigated using techniques such as endoscopy, colonoscopy and a faecal occult blood test.

FAQ Frequently asked questions

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia is the most common type of anaemia, a condition caused by low numbers of healthy red blood cells. In iron deficiency anaemia, the anaemia is the result of low levels of iron in the body.

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia?

Sometimes, people with iron deficiency anaemia have no symptoms. When they do, common symptoms include weakness, headache, fatigue, irritability, shortness of breath, and a fast heart rate.

What causes iron deficiency anaemia?

Blood loss is the most common cause of iron deficiency anaemia. It might not always be obvious, such as when it occurs due to trauma, surgery, or in women with heavy menstrual bleeding. For example, slow bleeding of the gastrointestinal tract in some …

How is iron deficiency anaemia treated?

To treat iron deficiency anaemia, you may be given oral or intravenous iron supplements. In some cases of iron deficiency anaemia, treatment will focus on treating the root cause, and let the body restore its iron levels naturally.

Can iron deficiency anaemia be prevented?

Eating a balanced diet usually provides you with enough iron to meet your body's needs. If you have had iron deficiency once, you are at increased risk of getting it again, so your doctor may prescribe you daily iron supplementation to prevent iron …

What is the outcome for iron deficiency anaemia?

Treatment continues until your haemoglobin levels return to normal. You may still need to take iron supplements for some time after this to restore your iron stores.

What happens if iron deficiency anaemia occurs during pregnancy?

If you are pregnant and have severe anaemia, it can increase the chances of your baby being born prematurely, having a low birth weight, having problems with their iron levels and poor performance in mental aptitude tests …

What are the side effects of taking medications for iron deficiency anaemia?

Side effects of oral iron include nausea, vomiting and constipation. When delivered intravenously, side effects include dizziness, heart palpitations, itching and an allergic reaction to dextran-based iron …

How common is iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common condition, and the most common type of anaemia.

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About this article

Author: Dr Joanne Van der Velden PhD, BSc (Hons)
First answered: 18 Sep 2014
Last reviewed: 18 May 2018
Rating: 4.9 out of 5
Votes: 160 (Click smiley face below to rate)
Category: Bronchitis

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