Treatment
The anemia caused by iron deficiency should above all eliminate the cause of the iron deficiency. For example, the treatment of a chronic source of bleeding (often located in the intestine) can be an important part of the therapy. It is important to clarify the cause of the iron deficiency before balancing the iron balance.
A change in diet towards foods containing more iron (meat, animal products, beans, peas, legumes, etc.) can also eliminate the cause of the iron deficiency. If iron deficiency is confirmed, iron can also be given in the form of tablets or drops.
This type of treatment should be used in cases of pronounced iron deficiency anaemia. The iron should be taken as far away from meals as possible so that as much of the iron supplied as possible is absorbed in the intestine. Iron intake is continued until haemoglobin levels have stabilised, after which the therapy should be continued for another three to six months. After this time, the iron stores are replenished. If the iron preparations are not tolerated or if there are chronic diseases that cause the iron deficiency, the iron can also be given directly into the vein.
Duration and forecast
Anemia due to iron deficiency is usually a disease that lasts longer. By the time the iron deficiency is so pronounced that it is noticeable by clinical signs, the iron stores are usually already exhausted, so it takes several months for the iron balance to regenerate. However, the disease can be treated very well by taking iron without any consequential damage.
If sufficient iron intake is ensured after treatment, a recurrence can be prevented. However, it is not uncommon for affected patients to suffer from anaemia due to iron deficiency time and again. Only chronic iron deficiency anaemia can lead to consequential damage.
Course of disease
The anaemia caused by iron deficiency is hardly noticeable at first, as its onset is very gradual. Little by little, there is an increase in concentration difficulties and headaches. Tiredness and exhaustion as well as a reduced performance capacity also occur. Later on, mucosal defects such as aphthae in the mouth and corner of the mouth rhagades are added. Hair and nails also become brittle only after a longer period of anaemia.
What are the chronic consequences of anemia due to iron deficiency?
Chronic anaemia due to iron deficiency can cause serious physical complaints. First of all, the heart and lungs are negatively affected, as they have to work harder to supply the body with sufficient oxygen. This can result in pain and pressure on the chest, and can even lead to a heart attack, which is caused by a lack of oxygen in the heart muscle cells. The brain is also a very sensitive organ and reacts quickly to a chronic lack of oxygen, which initially leads to concentration difficulties and later to the death of brain cells.