Iron deficiency anemia history and symptoms
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
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. 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.
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. 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:
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
Age specific presentation
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.
External link
Center for disease control and prevention