Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Denver, CO
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
Typically, anemia occurs anytime your blood lacks a sufficient amount of healthy red blood cells and, as a result, cannot carry sufficient levels of oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a commonly seen type of anemia caused when there is not enough iron in your body which inhibits it from making hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. In the absence of iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen is not efficiently spread throughout your body. Iron deficiency and anemia can cause dangerous health concerns if they are not treated. You can receive treatment for anemia in Denver, CO. In the event that you believe you or a loved one might have anemia or iron deficiency then please reach out to Colorado Gastroenterology today.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Iron deficiency anemia is the result of a lack of iron in the blood. Iron is the thing that allows the blood to make hemoglobin. A lack of iron could be caused by a number of differing circumstances:
- Pregnancy
- An inability to absorb iron (your small intestine becomes compromised from a disease like Celiac disease)
- Intravascular hemolysis
- A lack of iron in your diet
- Loss of blood, heavy menstruation, etc.)
Those at an increased risk for iron deficiency anemia could include:
- Participants in blood donation
- Those maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet
- Females
- Children and infants
If you or someone you love suspects iron deficiency, contact a physician at Colorado Gastroenterology to ensure you do not suffer from anemia.
What are some symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
A shortage of oxygen can result in numerous iron deficiency concerns. The most typical symptoms of iron deficiency anemia could include:
- Nails that break easily
- Weakness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Cold hands and feet
- Headache
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Painful or smooth tongue
- Craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Paleness of the skin
- Hair loss
- Rapid heartbeat
- Lack of hunger
- Unexplained fatigue or lack of energy
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that must be diagnosed by a professional, and taking iron supplements without a doctor's supervision may be dangerous. Help is available for iron deficiency in Denver, CO. Visit with a doctor if you experience any combination of the above-listed symptoms with any frequency. If you or someone you love is suffering from these symptoms, we encourage you to connect with a local Colorado Gastroenterology location and ask about investigating the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are quite clear and they aim to get more iron in your body. However, a number of conditions or medications can interrupt the absorption of iron. The most typical treatments for iron deficiency anemia include:
- Taking iron tablets on an empty stomach
- Swallowing iron supplements in conjunction with vitamin C
- Treatment for conditions that impact absorption, like Crohn's disease or Celiac disease
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
- Antibiotics to treat peptic ulcers
- Taking oral contraceptives for reduction of menstrual bleeding
- Taking iron tablets without antacids
- Surgery for internal bleeding
Foods rich in iron:
- Seafood
- Beans
- Dried fruit
- Leafy greens
- Legumes
- Poultry
- Red meat - Beef
- Pork
Foods rich in vitamin C (to aid in iron absorption):
- Melons
- Broccoli
- Leafy greens
- Grapefruit
- Tomatoes
- Kiwi
- Oranges
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia might result in dangerous health issues if ignored. When the cells and tissues in the major organs fail to receive the supply of oxygen they require, they begin to scar or become damaged. It is also important to note that in cases of iron deficiency anemia, one's heart can be overworked because it is trying to supply more blood to oxygen-deprived sections of the body. However, you can receive help for iron deficiency anemia in Denver, CO. Iron deficiency treatment may require two to three weeks to reverse symptoms. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you could need to take iron supplements for an extensive period of time to be sure that the anemia will not return. If you or a loved one has received a diagnosis of, or suspects, anemia we urge you to connect with Colorado Gastroenterology to ensure you get professional care for your situation.
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