Anemia/Iron Deficiency in Louisiana
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Find a ProviderWhat is anemia/iron deficiency?
In most cases, anemia arises when your blood lacks a sufficient amount of healthy red blood cells and therefore cannot deliver adequate oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a common type of anemia resulting from a shortage of iron in the body which stops it from creating hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in the red blood cells that carries oxygen. Without iron to produce hemoglobin, oxygen is not sufficiently distributed to the body. Iron deficiency and anemia could cause severe health problems when they are not treated. You can find help for anemia in Louisiana. Should you believe you or a loved one might have this condition, please connect with GastroGroup & Endocenter as soon as possible.
What are the causes of anemia/iron deficiency?
Lack of iron may be caused by a variety of unique factors:
- Blood loss (heavy menstruation, chronic blood loss, etc.)
- Pregnancy
- A problem absorbing iron (the small intestine may become compromised from a disease such as Celiac disease)
- A lack of iron in one's diet
- Intravascular hemolysis
Risk factors for iron deficiency anemia might include:
- Participants in blood donation
- Infants and children
- Biological women
- Those maintaining a vegetarian or vegan diet
If you or someone you love suspects iron deficiency, reach out to a specialist at GastroGroup & Endocenter to ensure anemia does not become an issue.
What are some symptoms of anemia/iron deficiency?
Low levels of oxygen results in numerous iron deficiency concerns. The most common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia can include:
- Lack of warmth in hands or feet
- Weakness
- Paleness of the skin
- The craving for ice or clay (pagophagia)
- Pain in one's head
- Lack of hunger
- Hair loss
- Fatigue that has no apparent reason
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Chest pain or shortness of breath
- Nails that break easily
- Sore or smooth tongue
- Rapid heart rate
Iron deficiency anemia is a condition that must be diagnosed by a professional, and taking iron supplements on your own can be harmful. If you are suffering from these symptoms, help is available for iron deficiency in Louisiana. We encourage you to connect with a local GastroGroup & Endocenter team and let them know you suspect the possibility of iron deficiency.
How is anemia/iron deficiency treated?
Treatments for iron deficiency anemia are quite clear, with the primary goal being to increase the amount of iron in one's body. However, some other conditions and medications might interfere with the absorption of iron. The most frequently used treatments for iron deficiency anemia include:
- Swallowing iron supplements in tandem with vitamin C
- Swallowing iron tablets on an empty stomach
- Use of oral contraceptives to reduce menstrual bleeding
- Taking iron supplements without antacids
- Increasing intake of foods rich in iron
- Taking antibiotics for treatment of peptic ulcers
- Receiving treatment for diseases that impact absorption, like Celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Surgery or treatment for internal bleeding
Iron-rich foods:
- Dried fruit
- Poultry
- Beef or other red meat
- Beans
- Seafood
- Pork
- Legumes
- Leafy greens
Foods rich in vitamin C (to help with iron absorption):
- Oranges
- Kiwi
- Tomatoes
- Broccoli
- Grapefruit
- Melons
- Leafy greens
Comprehensive treatment for anemia
Iron deficiency anemia can be dangerous if improperly treated. If the tissues and cells in the major organs are not given the supply of oxygen they need, they start to scar or become damaged. It is also important to note that in cases of iron deficiency anemia, your heart can be damaged due to its attempts to supply additional blood to oxygen-deprived sections of the body. However, you can receive help for iron deficiency anemia in Louisiana. Treatment for iron deficiency can take up to two to three weeks before the symptoms stop. Depending on the initial cause of your anemia, you may need to consume iron supplements for an extensive period of time to ensure that the anemia does not return. If you have received a diagnosis of, or suspect you might have anemia, please request a consultation with GastroGroup & Endocenter to ensure you receive professional treatment.
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