Iron deficiency anemia should see which department?

Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

Updated on September 25, 2024

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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 He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 20sec

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What is the fastest way to treat iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia caused by a lack of storage iron in the body, affecting the synthesis of hemoglobin. It is characterized by a lack of available iron in tissues and organs such as bone marrow, liver, and spleen, with decreased serum iron concentration, transferrin saturation, and serum ferritin levels. Typically, iron deficiency anemia presents as microcytic hypochromic anemia. Iron, as one of the essential trace elements in the human body, is contained in all functioning cells and is broadly involved in metabolic processes within the body. Therefore, the treatment principle for iron deficiency anemia involves replenishing sufficient iron until normal iron stores are restored and addressing the underlying causes that led to the iron deficiency to effectively and quickly replenish iron. Oral iron supplements are the preferred treatment option for iron deficiency anemia, such as ferrous sulfate, ferrous succinate, and iron dextran which are effective oral iron agents.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

58sec

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Iron deficiency anemia has the following symptoms:

The clinical manifestations and symptoms of iron deficiency anemia mainly include symptoms of both anemia and iron deficiency. Symptoms in patients with anemia often include dizziness, headache, shortness of breath and palpitations after activity, difficulty concentrating, easy fatigue, blurred vision, tinnitus, and other symptoms. There are also specific signs of iron deficiency such as cheilitis, glossitis, and atrophy of the tongue papillae. In terms of physical signs, we can find that some patients may have spoon nails. Regarding appetite, some patients may experience reduced appetite, nausea, and even constipation, all of which are general symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. Severe cases may even exhibit transient syncope, visual obscurity, and pica as clinical manifestations.

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Written by Hu Qi Feng

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in babies

Any age can develop the disease, but it is most commonly seen between six months and two years old, with a relatively slow onset. Generally, there is a gradual pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, most notably in the eyes, lips, oral mucosa, and nail beds. Affected children tend to be fatigued and less active, and older children may experience symptoms such as dizziness and darkening before the eyes. Physical examination may reveal enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes; the more severe the anemia, the more pronounced the enlargement. Anemia can lead to a decreased appetite, and in some cases, pica, such as a craving to eat non-food items like soil or walls, may occur. Symptoms may also include vomiting, diarrhea, glossitis, and stomatitis. There is a general listlessness, lack of concentration, impaired memory, and intelligence that may be lower than peers of the same age. Iron deficiency anemia can also lead to decreased cellular immune function, making infections more likely.

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Written by Li Guo Bao

Hematology

50sec

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Can iron deficiency anemia be cured?

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the most common types of anemia clinically. The principle of treating iron deficiency anemia involves etiological treatment and symptomatic treatment. Etiological treatment means treating according to different causes, while symptomatic treatment involves correcting anemia and supplementing the raw materials for blood formation. The most common causes of iron deficiency anemia include gastrointestinal bleeding, internal hemorrhoids bleeding, hookworm and roundworm infections, malnutrition, and, notably in women, excessive menstrual bleeding and excessive bleeding during pregnancy and childbirth. These are common causes of iron deficiency anemia seen clinically. With the cause of iron deficiency anemia identified, the treatment often has a relatively high cure rate.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 30sec

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Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

The clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia consist of symptoms due to the anemia itself, specific manifestations of iron deficiency, and the underlying diseases causing the iron deficiency. The onset of anemia is often insidious, with some patients progressing very slowly. Initially, patients can adapt well to daily life and continue with their work, making it difficult to detect. It is usually not until the anemia becomes moderate to severe and symptoms become apparent that it is discovered. Common symptoms of anemia include dizziness, headaches, weakness, easy fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath after activity. Some patients might also experience a decline in memory and suffer from tinnitus and blurred vision. Some affected children may exhibit delayed growth and development or even abnormal behaviors, which can manifest as irritability, restlessness, inattention in class, and declining academic performance. A few patients may develop pica, a specific manifestation of iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, some patients might suffer from angular cheilitis, glossitis, and even atrophy of the tongue papillae. Severe cases can experience transient blindness and fainting, hence it is crucial to seek medical attention for iron deficiency anemia at the earliest.