What is anemia?

Anemia means a low hemoglobin value and hematocrit. We have learned to look at the value of hematocrit rather than hemoglobin in a general blood. However, the value of hemoglobin is a more reliable indicator and in comparison we must look at the blood general we have made at regular intervals.

Are there various forms of anemia?

Yes there are many different types of anemia, but they all manifest with a low hemoglobin price and usually common symptoms. The patient with anemia usually has paleness, fatigue, irritability, drowsiness, poor mood, or even a headache. The hematologist or physician according to some other indicators in the general blood can understand what this anemia is due and request additional tests.

What is the most common form of anemia?

The most common form of anemia is iron deficiency anemia, that is, anemia due to iron deficiency. Usually in children, adolescents and young women anemia is due to iron deficiency. Children and adolescents have a great need for iron due to growth. Anemia in reproductive age in women is usually due to lack of iron due to menstrual blood loss. So many times young women can come to the clinic and say they feel tired, fall hair very easily, nails break very easily, suffer from headache, or have strange dietary habits (eg wanting to eat ice cubes ). All of this are common manifestations of iron deficiency.

During pregnancy, iron needs are very high, so usually all pregnant women take iron supplements.
At older ages in women, that is, after menopause but also in adult men when we find iron deficiency anemia, gastrointestinal system should definitely be controlled. That is, a short chronic loss of blood from the gastrointestinal tract, either because there is a diaphragm, or due to hemorrhoids can lead to iron deficiency anemia.

In addition, there may be malignancy in the gut or stomach and this may lead to iron deficiency anemia. It is mandatory after the age of 50 years of age with gastroscopy and colonoscopy. In addition, if there is a family history of gastrointestinal malignancy, this test should start much earlier and be done at regular intervals. There are other rare causes of iron deficiency anemia such as helicobacter pylori, but the doctor will in any case look for symptoms and direct the patient to do the right tests to make the diagnosis.

What tests should be done if we suspect iron deficiency anemia?

An examination of iron warehouses should be performed, ie the price of ferritin as well as an examination of iron and iron -bodies. Examination of iron alone is not a diagnostic of iron deficiency anemia, because the price of iron is often affected by what we have eaten in the previous days. In order to be able to properly diagnose a iron deficiency anemia, we need to have in addition to the general blood, the price of ferritin, iron and iron -fashioned capacity.

How is iron deficiency anemia cured?

The doctor will determine if you need to receive iron and there are various iron preparations. Oral iron administration to be effective should be followed by some rules. Iron needs an acidic environment to be able to absorb so it is advisable to take the iron formulation with a little orange juice and in addition to not eaten something before and after the iron formulation is taken.

In those cases where iron is not tolerated (very frequent gastrointestinal disorders such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea) or in cases where iron absorption cannot be properly absorbed, iron intravenously can be administered, with ease, safety and efficiency.