Iron deficiency anemia clinical symptoms

Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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The clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia include symptoms caused by ischemia-induced tissue and organ hypoxia, as well as specific clinical signs associated with iron deficiency. Common clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia often include dizziness, headache, fatigue, easy tiring, memory decline, shortness of breath and palpitations after activities, and even symptoms such as tinnitus and blurred vision. Specific signs of iron deficiency include stomatitis, glossitis, atrophic gastritis, dry skin, brittle and falling hair, flat or spoon-shaped nails that are thin and prone to cracking. Some patients may also experience pica and difficulty swallowing, all of which are clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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How long does iron deficiency anemia need to be treated?

Patients with iron deficiency anemia typically need several months of iron supplementation treatment. The specific reason is that after taking iron supplements, patients' subjective symptoms can recover quickly. The count of reticulocytes generally begins to rise within three to four days after starting the medication, reaching a peak around seven days. Hemoglobin levels notably increase within two weeks of treatment, and generally return to normal around two months. After correcting anemia, it is necessary to continue treatment for at least another three months because the body's iron stores need further supplementation. It is necessary to restore serum ferritin levels to fifty micrograms per liter to replenish these stores fully. This is required to achieve a true cure of iron deficiency anemia, as without this, patients are prone to relapse. Therefore, regular and long-term effective use of iron supplements is an essential basis for ensuring the treatment effectiveness of iron deficiency anemia.

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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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Iron deficiency anemia clinical manifestations

Iron deficiency anemia presents in a variety of ways, including symptoms of anemia and iron deficiency. The main manifestation is tissue and organ hypoxia caused by iron deficiency, and severe iron deficiency anemia can lead to mucosal tissue changes and ectoderm nutritional disorders. Among the symptoms, we can find that in the early stages, the symptoms are relatively concealed and hard to detect. Patients with a slow progression can often adapt well in the early stages and are able to engage in daily work. Common symptoms of anemia include dizziness, headache, fatigue, and tiredness, along with palpitations and shortness of breath after activity, and even symptoms such as blurred vision and tinnitus. For patients with iron deficiency, specific symptoms include angular cheilitis, atrophy of the tongue papillae, glossitis, and severe iron deficiency patients may experience koilonychia, decreased appetite, nausea, and even constipation. Some patients, particularly children during their growth periods, may exhibit delayed growth and behavioral abnormalities, specifically being irritable and easily angered, having difficulty concentrating in class, and declining academic performance. A few patients may also develop pica, which is a special manifestation of iron deficiency anemia. In terms of physical signs, patients may exhibit pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, dry hair, and keratinization of the lips. Nails may be flat, lackluster, and prone to breakage, and a small number of patients may experience mild splenomegaly. These are the clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

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 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.