Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Lubbock, TX
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Anemia develops when a person's blood lacks the healthy red blood cells needed to deliver sufficient levels of oxygen to the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia resulting from a shortage of iron in the body that disables it from making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin (a protein found in red blood cells) delivers oxygen to your organs and muscles. In the absence of iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen cannot be sufficiently delivered to your body. Iron deficiency and anemia can cause severe health complications when ignored. Help is available for anemia in Lubbock, TX. If you believe you or a loved one might have this condition, then we urge you to connect with Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates as soon as possible.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia stems from having an inadequate supply of iron in your blood. Iron is the element that equips the blood to manufacture hemoglobin. A body's iron deficiency can be precipitated by a number of different factors:
- Pregnancy
- Intravascular hemolysis
- An insufficient amount of iron in one's diet
- An inability to absorb iron (the small intestine may become compromised from an ailment such as Celiac disease)
- Blood loss (heavy menstruation, chronic blood loss, etc.)
Individuals who have a higher risk of developing iron deficiency anemia include:
- Blood donors
- Females
- Those maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Children and infants
If you or someone you love is at risk for iron deficiency, speak with a physician at Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates to ensure anemia does not become an issue.
What are some symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
You may experience a wide range of iron deficiency problems caused by insufficient oxygen in the blood. Some of the more typical symptoms of iron deficiency include:
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Nails that break easily
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Painful or smooth tongue
- Pain in one's head
- Pale skin
- Fatigue that cannot be explained
- Loss of hair
- Craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Rapid heartbeat
- Cold hands and feet
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
Iron deficiency anemia is not something you should self-diagnose, and taking iron supplements without medical supervision may be detrimental. Help is available for iron deficiency in Lubbock, TX. See a doctor if you are experiencing any combination of the above symptoms with any frequency. If you are suffering from these symptoms, we urge you to call your local Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates team and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
In what ways is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are generally simple and have one clear goal: bring up the level of iron in the body. It's worth noting that there are certain conditions and treatments that may disrupt your body's ability to absorb iron from food or supplements. Treatments for iron deficiency generally might involve:
- Surgery for internal bleeding
- Swallowing iron tablets without antacids
- Taking antibiotics for treatment of peptic ulcers
- Taking oral contraceptives to reduce menstrual bleeding
- Eating more iron-rich foods
- Swallowing iron tablets on an empty stomach
- Receiving treatment for diseases that impact absorption, such as Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Swallowing iron supplements in tandem with vitamin C
Iron-rich foods:
- Legumes
- Seafood
- Beans
- Poultry
- Dried fruit
- Pork
- Red meat (beef)
- Leafy greens
Foods rich in vitamin C (to aid in iron absorption):
- Grapefruit
- Kiwi
- Leafy greens
- Broccoli
- Melons
- Tomatoes
- Oranges
Complete treatment for anemia
If not addressed properly, iron deficiency anemia can cause or make you vulnerable to a range of severe health issues. If the cells and tissues in one's major organs do not receive the supply of oxygen they must have, they begin to scar or become damaged. It is also important to note that iron deficiency anemia can take a toll on the heart as it works harder to supply more blood to oxygen-starved sections of the body. However, you can receive help for iron deficiency anemia in Lubbock, TX. Iron deficiency treatment could require 2 – 3 weeks to stop symptoms. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you could need to take iron supplements for a long amount of time to make certain that the anemia does not resurface. If you or a family member has received a diagnosis of, or suspect you might have, anemia, please connect with Lubbock Digestive Disease Associates to have peace of mind that you are given the best treatment for your condition.
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