Iron deficiency anemia history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Iron deficiency represents a spectrum ranging from iron depletion, which causes no physiological impairments, to iron-deficiency anemia, which affects the functioning of several organ systems. In iron depletion, the amount of stored iron (e.g., as measured by serum ferritin concentration) is reduced but the amount of functional iron may not be affected. Persons who have iron depletion have no iron stores to mobilize if the body requires more iron. In iron-deficient erythropoiesis, stored iron is depleted and transport iron (e.g., as measured by transferrin saturation) is reduced further; the amount of iron absorbed is not sufficient to replace the amount lost or to provide the amount needed for growth and function. In this stage, the shortage of iron limits red blood cell production and results in increased erthryocyte protoporphyrin concentration. In iron-deficiency anemia, the most severe form of iron deficiency, the shortage of iron leads to underproduction of iron-containing functional compounds, including Hb. The red blood cells of persons who have iron-deficiency anemia are microcytic and hypochromic.
History
Symptoms
Symptoms of iron deficiency can occur even before the condition has progressed to iron deficiency anemia.
Symptoms of iron deficiency are not unique to iron deficiency (i.e. not pathognomonic). Iron is needed for many enzymes to function normally, so a wide range of symptoms may eventually emerge, either as the secondary result of the anemia, or as other primary results of iron deficiency. Main symptoms of iron deficiency include:
In severe cases, dyspnea can occur. Unusual obsessive food cravings, known as pica, may develop. Hair loss and lightheadedness can also be associated with iron deficiency anemia
Other symptoms patients with iron deficiency anemia have reported are:
- Constipation
- Tinnitus
- Palpitations
- Seeing bright colors
- Fainting, feeling faint
- Depression
- Weakness
- Breathlessness
- Twitching nerves, tingling, numbness
- Burning sensations
- Sleep apnea (rare)
- Missed menstrual cycle
- Heavy menstrual cycle
- Weak/ brittle nails
- Slow social development
- Lethargy
- Hair loss
- Sore tongue
- Poor skin color
- Weak immune system
- Exhaustion
- Loss of desire for food
Infants (age 0-12 months) and preschool children (age 1-5 years)
- Iron-deficiency anemia was defined as a Hb concentration of less than or equal to 10.0 g/dL or less than or equal to 10.5 g/dL
- Developmental delays
- Behavioral disturbances (e.g., decreased motor activity, social interaction, and attention to tasks)
- Iron-deficiency anemia also contributes to lead poisoning in children by increasing the gastrointestinal tract's ability to absorb heavy metals, including lead.
Adults (persons aged greater than or equal to 18 years)
- Decreased functional capacity
Pregnant female
- iron-deficiency anemia during the first two trimesters of pregnancy is associated with a twofold increased risk for preterm delivery and a threefold increased risk for delivering a low-birthweight baby.