Introduction
Iron is an elementary component of the red blood pigment haemoglobin. This binds oxygen molecules and transports them via the blood into all cells of the human body. If too little iron is supplied to the body or if there are major losses, an iron deficiency can develop over time.
In the beginning, the body can fall back on its iron stores. Once these are used up, blood formation is limited. Not enough haemoglobin is produced, the red blood cells become fewer and smaller. This condition is called anemia, because it is caused by iron deficiency, it is called iron deficiency anemia. This is accompanied by a number of symptoms that can make the diagnosis easier.
Typical symptoms of iron deficiency anemia
Below is an overview of the characteristic symptoms of iron deficiency anemia. These are then explained in detail according to frequency and relevance.
- Tiredness, exhaustion
- Sleep disorders, lack of concentration
- Paleness of the skin and mucous membranes
- Dizziness, headaches
- Tinnitus
- Shortness of breath
- Fast pulse or tachycardia
- Depression and depressive moods
- Hair Loss
The first objectively visible symptom is usually a persistent paleness of the skin and mucous membrane.
Iron is a component of the red blood pigment haemoglobin. If there is less iron in the body, the haemoglobin content in the blood drops. The hemoglobin is responsible for the rosy appearance of the skin and especially of the mucous membranes, which are well supplied with blood.
If there is less dye in the blood, the skin appears pale. In people who have a very light skin color by nature or a weak circulation and who are generally often pale, it is more difficult to recognize anemia from the skin color. Therefore, if an anemia is suspected, the doctor will mainly look at the mucous membranes of the lower eyelids and the mucous membrane of the mouth during the physical examination.
The possible dizziness can also be explained by the lack of oxygen. Due to the low blood pigment haemoglobin, too little oxygen is transported via the blood to the brain. The brain is very susceptible to oxygen deficiency, even small fluctuations cause symptoms such as headaches and dizziness.
The symptoms are intensified under stress, e.g. when getting up in the morning or during sporting activities. Dizziness is often described as rotational vertigo. In addition to the dizziness, concentration disorders often occur simultaneously.
In particularly severe cases, short-term disturbances of consciousness or loss of consciousness (syncope) may occur. More about this:
- Dizziness due to iron deficiency
- Headaches due to iron deficiency
Another typical symptom is tiredness and exhaustion, despite sufficient sleep. The iron-containing hemoglobin binds oxygen in the blood and thus supplies all tissues with oxygen.
If the haemoglobin content drops, less oxygen can be transported, metabolic processes are slower, less energy can be produced, the body is less efficient and tires quickly. Particularly after physical exertion, it takes longer for the body to recover. This topic might also be of interest to you:
- How to remedy an iron deficiency
Symptoms such as fatigue, exhaustion and sleep disorders, all of which are triggered by iron deficiency anemia, have a negative influence on the mood of those affected.
In the long term, a depressive mood or even depression can develop. Iron is also involved in the formation of the messenger substance dopamine. Among other things, dopamine plays an important role in the reward system in the brain.
Dopamine increases drive, motivation and feelings of pleasure. Serotonin is also formed with the help of iron. Serotonin is also known as the “happiness hormone”.
Iron is not only contained in haemoglobin, but also in a number of enzymes that are involved in important metabolic processes. An iron deficiency slows down cell division and the ability of cells to regenerate. The hair root cells divide very quickly and are particularly susceptible to oxygen and energy deficiency.
If the hair root is not sufficiently supplied, it dies and the affected hair falls out. In general, the hair becomes increasingly thin, brittle and fragile. More about this:
- Hair Loss
Although people with iron deficiency anemia usually suffer from fatigue and exhaustion, they often have trouble sleeping.
Other symptoms described, such as palpitations, shortness of breath or tinnitus, can affect sleep patterns in the long term.Noises in the ears often prevent those affected from falling asleep. Stumbling and racing heart can be a hindrance when sleeping through the night. Sleep disorders and depressive moods can also have a negative influence on each other.
It is suspected that the development of ringing in the ears (tinnitus) is also caused by a lack of oxygen in the inner ear. Due to the lack of oxygen, the fine hair cells in the inner ear are undersupplied, which causes a sound sensation disorder. This hearing disorder can lead to altered activities in different areas of the brain, which can cause a whistling sound to be perceived.
If the iron deficiency anemia is not treated, the symptoms can worsen and lead to hearing loss. If the iron deficiency is compensated in time, the tinnitus usually disappears completely. This topic may also be of interest to you:
- Treatment of tinnitus
Due to the low hemoglobin content in the blood, less oxygen is transported from the lungs into the body’s circulation.
To compensate for this deficit, the body reactively increases the heart rate to supply sensitive organs such as the brain and kidneys with sufficient oxygen. Those affected often notice a quicker pulse, racing heart or stumbling heart, often more so under physical stress. In particularly severe cases, the pulse rate is already elevated at rest.
If there is a particularly pronounced iron deficiency anaemia, the body reacts to the falling haemoglobin value and oxygen content not only by increasing the heart rate but also the breathing rate. Patients have the feeling that they are not getting enough air, which can cause anxiety and worsen the symptoms. Due to an increased respiratory rate, the respiratory assistance muscles have to be used more intensively. This requires more energy and more oxygen – a vicious circle. More on this topic:
- Shortness of breath