Iron deficiency anemia

About Iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia develops when iron stores are too low to support normal red blood cell production, leading to small, pale cells and reduced oxygen delivery. Symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, pallor, brittle nails, hair shedding, restless legs, and pica. Common causes are heavy menstrual bleeding, GI blood loss, pregnancy, and inadequate intake or absorption. It is diagnosed with a CBC and iron studies including ferritin. Treatment is oral iron — or IV iron when intolerance, malabsorption, or severe deficiency is present — alongside investigation of the source.