Iron deficiency anemia (low red blood cell count)

Description Caused by low level...

Description

Caused by low levels of iron in the body. Anemia is defined as not having enough of the red blood cells that carry oxygen. Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anemia. Iron is necessary for hemoglobin, and hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen. The major causes of iron deficiency are from blood loss, poor absorption of iron in the intestinal tract, and lack of iron in the diet.

Symptoms

Symptoms vary depending on the severity of the anemia and include: pale skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, a craving to eat clay (pica) in young children, weakness, brittle nails.

Tests

Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment

Workup:
A history and physical exam will be done. A CBC (complete blood cell count) will identify the decreased number of red blood cells and that the red blood cells are abnormally small (microcytic). Blood tests to determine the low iron levels will be performed. The provider will look for reasons for the iron deficiency such as blood loss, poor absorption in the intestines, and may take a diet history to identify poor eating habits.

Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Iron level

Other Specific Tests: Total iron binding capacity (TIBC), Ferritin

Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Family Practice, Blood and Cancer Care (hematology and oncology), Pediatric Hematology and Oncology

Treatment

Therapy depends on identifying and stopping the cause of the iron deficiency. The iron will be replaced usually by mouth, but in more severe cases by an injection or through an intravenous line. Patients taking iron supplements by mouth should avoid milk and antacids that can block the absorption of the iron.