Does iron deficiency anemia cause a yellow complexion?

Written by Zhang Xiao Le

Hematology

Updated on February 19, 2025

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No matter what type of anemia, it manifests as a decrease in hemoglobin. Red blood cells are the main cells that carry oxygen, so patients with anemia will have signs of ischemia and hypoxia to some extent, and anemia manifests as pallor in the skin and mucous membranes. Since Chinese are of the yellow race, the manifestation of anemia in Chinese patients often appears as a yellowish complexion. Therefore, patients with iron deficiency anemia can have a yellowish complexion. Of course, if there is obvious yellowing of the skin and sclera in addition to the yellowish complexion, further tests such as hemolysis indicators are needed to rule out hemolytic anemia, as patients with hemolytic anemia often have concurrent jaundice.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 52sec

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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 Li Fang Fang

Hematology

53sec

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Can iron deficiency anemia be cured?

Iron deficiency anemia is treatable, but it is essential to identify the cause of the iron deficiency. The treatment of iron deficiency anemia is divided into two main parts. The first part involves iron supplementation, which can be administered orally or intravenously, with intravenous supplementation generally being more effective and faster. The second part is crucial: identifying the cause of the iron deficiency. For example, common causes in women of childbearing age include heavy menstrual periods, while older patients often suffer from gastrointestinal tumors or ulcers, and in children, the common cause is usually nutritional deficiency. It is vital to treat the underlying cause.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

38sec

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Iron deficiency anemia should see which department?

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 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.

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Written by He Li Fang

Hematology

1min 25sec

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How is iron deficiency anemia diagnosed?

The diagnosis of iron deficiency anemia includes two aspects: one is to establish whether there is anemia caused by iron deficiency, and the other is to clarify the cause of the iron deficiency. First, we need to carefully inquire and analyze the medical history, combined with the patient's physical examination, which can provide a series of clues for diagnosing iron deficiency anemia. A definitive diagnosis also requires laboratory evidence. Clinically, we can divide iron deficiency and iron deficiency anemia into three stages: iron deficiency, iron-deficient erythropoiesis, and iron deficiency anemia. The following describes the diagnostic criteria for iron deficiency anemia specifically. Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by a significant reduction in hemoglobin in red blood cells, presenting as microcytic hypochromic anemia. Its diagnostic basis includes three aspects: first, conforming to the diagnosis of iron deficiency and iron-deficient erythropoiesis; second, having microcytic hypochromic anemia; and third, effective treatment with iron supplements. These three factors together can confirm the diagnosis of this disease.