Iron deficiency anemia is termed as the reduced iron content of the RBC and hemoglobulin levels.
An iron deficiency anemia affects 8.8% of the population world wide.It is slighltly more common among females than males.
Normal volume of Hb-13.5-17.5gm/dl in men
12-15gm/dl in women
Subnormal levels of hemoglobin causes lower oxygen carrying capacity of the blood. This ,in turn initiates compensatory physiologic adaptation as follows.
Increased release of oxygen from blood
Increased blood flow to the tissues
Maintenance of the volume of blood
Redistribution of blood flow to maintain the cerebral supply
Tissue hypoxia leads to the impaired function of the organs.
Tiredness
Lightheadeness
Breathlessness
Ischaemic symptoms
Signs:
Mucous membrane pallor,conjunctiva
Faintness giddiness ,tinnitus,numbness might be seen
Dyspnoea occurs
Retinal haemorrhage is seen if there is any associated visual illnessa or bleeding diathesis
Tachypnoea
Raised jugular venous pressure
Flow murmurs
Ankle edema
Amenorrhoea and loss of libido might be seen.
Postural hypotension
Anorexia,flatulence and weight loss might occur.
Normal adult hematocrit values vary among medical practices but are generally between 40% and 52% for men and 35% and 47% for women. Normal adult hemoglobin values are generally 14 to 18 grams per deciliter for men and 12 to 16 grams per deciliter for women.
Dietary intake of Iron
Arrest bleeding when ever it is necessary
Take adequate amount of vitamin C since it helps in the absorption of the Iron.