The key to curing iron deficiency anemia

Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 13, 2024
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Iron deficiency anemia, a common and frequently occurring disease in the department of hematology, is not difficult to diagnose and treat. The key to treatment lies in addressing the cause of the iron deficiency, and it is essential to eliminate the underlying causes as much as possible. Using iron supplements alone can only restore blood counts; neglecting the primary disease will not lead to a complete cure of the anemia and can easily lead to recurrence. Treatment consists of two phases: first, the supplementation with iron supplements. After taking iron supplements for three to four days, an increase in reticulocytes will occur, reaching a peak around seven days, and hemoglobin will significantly rise after two weeks of medication, returning to normal levels after one to two months. However, after hemoglobin levels normalize, some patients may stop taking the medication. It is important to note that continuing to take iron supplements for three months is necessary to replenish the body's iron stores completely.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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What to eat for dietary supplementation in iron deficiency anemia

The dietary plan for patients with iron-deficiency anemia first involves increasing the intake of iron-rich foods, such as animal liver, blood, soybeans, black fungus, sesame paste, brown sugar, lean meat, egg yolks, pork and lamb kidneys, and dried fruits. Second, it is recommended to appropriately supplement with vitamin C, as taking iron supplements and vitamin C together can increase iron absorption, thereby achieving better iron supplementation effects. Thirdly, patients are advised to change their dietary habits to increase the intake and bioavailability of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B2, folic acid, and vitamin B12, which are involved in the production of red blood cells. Supplementing these nutrients can also enhance the utilization of iron from food, thereby assisting in the treatment.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Can iron deficiency anemia be cured?

Iron deficiency anemia is treatable, but it is essential to identify the cause of the iron deficiency. The treatment of iron deficiency anemia is divided into two main parts. The first part involves iron supplementation, which can be administered orally or intravenously, with intravenous supplementation generally being more effective and faster. The second part is crucial: identifying the cause of the iron deficiency. For example, common causes in women of childbearing age include heavy menstrual periods, while older patients often suffer from gastrointestinal tumors or ulcers, and in children, the common cause is usually nutritional deficiency. It is vital to treat the underlying cause.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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What department should I go to for iron deficiency anemia?

Anemia refers to a condition in which the total volume of red blood cells in the circulating blood is reduced below normal levels, resulting in anemia. Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of hematopoietic raw materials. Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body's stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. As the most common type of red blood cell disease, iron deficiency anemia falls within the category of hematology. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia should seek specialized consultation in the department of hematology. Furthermore, we recommend seeking medical advice as early as possible since moderate to severe iron deficiency anemia can lead to a series of circulatory disorders, thereby exacerbating the condition.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Iron deficiency anemia has the following symptoms:

The clinical manifestations and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia mainly include symptoms of both anemia and iron deficiency. Symptoms in patients with anemia often include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath and palpitations after activity, difficulty concentrating, easy fatigue, blurred vision, tinnitus, and other symptoms. There are also specific signs of iron deficiency such as cheilitis, glossitis, and atrophy of the tongue papillae. In terms of physical signs, we can find that some patients may have spoon nails. Regarding appetite, some patients may experience reduced appetite, nausea, and even constipation, all of which are general symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Severe cases may even exhibit transient syncope, visual obscurity, and pica as clinical manifestations.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Diet for Iron Deficiency Anemia

Patients with iron-deficiency anemia need to undergo pharmacological treatment with oral or injective iron supplements. In addition, patient health education should be enhanced to guide them in following a scientific and reasonable diet. For example, patients who are picky eaters or have insufficient intake should change their dietary structure and lifestyle in order to increase iron intake and bioavailability. This ensures that all key nutrients involved in the production of red blood cells are sufficient. Moreover, it is necessary to increase the intake of iron-rich foods, mainly including animal liver, blood, as well as soybeans, black fungus, egg yolks, brown sugar, lean meat, sheep kidneys, dried fruits, and sesame paste.