Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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The treatment principles for iron deficiency anemia mainly involve two aspects. One is to identify the cause of the iron deficiency anemia. Once the cause is confirmed, fundamental treatment of the cause should be conducted to restore the body's normal iron stores. The second aspect is iron supplementation, which is recommended to be administered orally. The daily supplemental iron dose is approximately 150 to 200 milligrams, typically using ferrous preparations such as ferrous succinate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and iron dextran. It is suggested that iron supplements be taken with meals or after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation caused by the medication. Additionally, it is advised to avoid consuming tea, coffee, and other substances that could interfere with iron absorption during the treatment period.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Is donkey-hide gelatin effective for iron deficiency anemia?

Oral consumption of donkey-hide gelatin is ineffective for iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia requires iron supplementation treatment, but while donkey-hide gelatin is rich in collagen, it is not rich in iron, thus it is ineffective for treating iron deficiency anemia through oral consumption. For iron deficiency anemia, a diet rich in iron, such as animal liver, lean meats, and blood products, which are rich in iron, should be pursued. Additionally, it is necessary to avoid strong tea, as it contains tannins that can chelate iron and affect its absorption.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Iron deficiency anemia should see which department?

Anemia is a condition characterized by a reduction in the total volume of red blood cells in the circulating blood to below normal levels. Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of raw materials for blood production. Iron deficiency anemia 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 type of red blood cell disease and falls within the category of hematology. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia should seek treatment in the department of hematology.

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Written by Zhang Xiao Le
Hematology
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Hazards of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Women

The harm of iron deficiency anemia in women is related to the severity of the anemia. Mild anemia generally has no obvious clinical symptoms; moderate anemia often presents with fatigue, palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, dizziness, tinnitus, insomnia, frequent dreams, reduced appetite, and poor digestive function; severe anemia can affect the quality of life, with symptoms of palpitations and shortness of breath even with slight activity, and can severely impact the quality of life. The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in women is due to increased menstrual flow. Additional examinations, such as gynecological ultrasound, are necessary to clarify the presence of conditions like uterine fibroids or adenomyosis, and to provide targeted treatment.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children?

Iron deficiency anemia can manifest as: 1. Gradual pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, especially noticeable on the lips, oral mucosa, and nail beds. Older children may experience dizziness, darkening before the eyes, and tinnitus. Additionally, anemia can lead to extramedullary hematopoiesis, and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes can occur. The younger the age and the longer the duration of the disease, the more severe the anemia and the more prominent the enlargement of the liver and spleen. 2. In terms of gastrointestinal tract: reduced appetite, pica, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomatitis may occur. 3. Nervous system manifestations include: restlessness or lethargy, lack of concentration, reduced memory, and intelligence often lower than peers of the same age. 4. Cardiovascular system: an increased heart rate may be observed, and in severe cases, cardiac enlargement and even heart failure can occur. 5. Immune system: Iron deficiency can affect hematopoietic function, often leading to reduced cell-mediated immune function and combined infections.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Should I take vitamin C for iron deficiency anemia?

Patients with iron deficiency anemia mostly suffer from anemia due to lack of iron, but in a small proportion of cases, the essence of their anemia is due to the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin per unit volume of blood being below normal levels. Therefore, any factor that can lead to reduced production or excessive destruction, or loss of red blood cells or hemoglobin can cause anemia. Can patients with iron deficiency anemia consume vitamin C? The main treatment plan for iron deficiency anemia includes four aspects. First, general treatment aims to prevent and reduce various factors that induce iron deficiency. Second, etiological treatment involves identifying a cause whenever possible and controlling the primary iron deficiency related to that cause, such as actively combatting hookworm infection in cases of hookworm disease, stopping bleeding and actively treating ulcers in cases of ulcerative bleeding, and actively controlling menstrual flow in women with heavy periods. Third is the supplementation of iron, which should ideally be taken with vitamin C as it can enhance the absorption of iron. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia can indeed consume vitamin C.