Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia.

Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 01, 2024
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Anemia is a condition in which the total volume of red blood cells in the circulating blood is reduced below the normal value. Iron deficiency anemia belongs to a category of anemia caused by a lack of hematopoietic raw materials. It occurs when the body's stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease among red blood cell disorders and is categorized under anemias caused by a deficiency in hematopoietic raw materials.

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Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
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How to supplement baby's anemia?

The treatment for childhood anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia in children, which includes iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, the main treatment is iron supplementation. This can be done through dietary means, such as increasing the intake of foods high in iron like pork liver and egg yolks. Additionally, treatment should address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For instance, if parasitic infections are causing blood loss, then treating the parasitic infection is necessary. If the anemia is due to poor dietary habits or picky eating, then changing these habits is crucial. If general treatments are ineffective, then oral iron supplements should be considered. In the case of megaloblastic anemia, it is important to address the vitamin deficiencies that cause it, namely the lack of folate and vitamin B12. Supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 is recommended.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can anemia cause headaches?

Anemia can cause headaches because when anemia occurs, the entire body is in a state of ischemia and hypoxia. The severity of anemia varies, and so does the extent of ischemia and hypoxia in the body. When anemia is severe, the body is in a significantly compromised state of ischemia and hypoxia. Ischemia and hypoxia in the nervous system can manifest as headaches. Additionally, symptoms can include a feeling of heavy-headedness, and even cerebral infarction, which are caused by anemia. After correcting the anemia by transfusing red blood cells, the headaches will alleviate.

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Written by Liu Wei Jie
Obstetrics
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What should pregnant women do about anemia?

We often find that anemia in pregnant women is very common during prenatal check-ups. There are three main reasons for anemia. The first reason is iron deficiency anemia, which is due to insufficient intake during pregnancy while the fetus requires a large amount, leading to iron deficiency anemia. The second reason is megaloblastic anemia, which is caused by insufficient intake of vitamin B6 and folic acid, resulting in anemia. Another condition is thalassemia, which is due to a genetic mutation causing anemia. For treatment of anemia, we first need to address the specific cause. If it is iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements are necessary, and the diet should include foods like pork liver and lean meat. If it is megaloblastic anemia, supplementation with folic acid and vitamin B12 is needed. Moreover, for thalassemia, mild cases can be observed, while severe cases may require a small amount of blood transfusion treatment.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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How to deal with anemia and dizziness?

Dizziness during anemia is caused by the anemia itself, as the body is in a state of ischemia and hypoxia during anemia, leading to dizziness due to ischemia and hypoxia in the nervous system. In addition to dizziness, there is also a feeling of heavy-headedness and headaches. To quickly improve these symptoms, it is necessary to transfuse red blood cells and correct the anemia. However, after correcting the anemia, due to the limited lifespan of red blood cells, if the cause of the disease is not clearly identified and treated accordingly, the patient will still experience anemia and symptoms like dizziness again.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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How to recuperate from anemia

How to nourish anemia depends on the specific cause of the anemia, and it varies with the specific cause. If the anemia is nutritional, this type is due to a lack of hematopoietic materials such as folic acid, vitamin B12, and iron. In this case, it is necessary to actively supplement these hematopoietic materials, including eating foods that are rich in these materials. However, if the cause of anemia is due to leukemia, aplastic anemia, myeloma, lymphoma, etc., then it is necessary to treat the underlying disease to improve the anemia. In addition, patients with anemia need to pay attention to rest, prevent catching cold, and prevent infections.