IRON-DEFICIENCY ANAEMIA

Credit to Biomedicool

Iron-deficiency anaemia is caused by blood loss, insufficient dietary intake, or poor absorption of iron from food. 

Iron deficiency anaemia can be prevented by eating a diet containing sufficient amounts of iron or by iron supplementation. Severe cases may be treated with blood transfusions or iron injections.

CAUSE

• Increased iron demand – occurs during periods of growth, such as in children and pregnant women – more iron is used than is taken in by diet
• Parasitic disease  helminthiasis – infestation with parasitic worms (helminths); specifically, hookworms.
• Menstrual bleeding – Women with menorrhagia (heavy menstrual periods) loose blood and therefore iron.
• Gastrointestinal bleeding – many sources of gastrointestinal tract bleeding resulting from medication or many different GI pathologies.
• Diet – In many countries, wheat flour is fortified with iron. If a person consumes too little iron, or iron that is poorly absorbed (non-heme iron), they can become iron deficient over time. For children, a high intake of cow’s milk is associated with an increased risk of iron-deficiency anaemia.
• Iron malabsorption – Iron from food is absorbed into the bloodstream in the small intestine, primarily in the duodenum. Many gastrointestinal disorders can reduce the body’s ability to absorb iron. EG in coeliac disease, abnormal changes in the structure of the duodenum can occur. 

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Note by Damian

Pale or yellowish skin, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness, cold hands and feet, and headaches can all be deduced or observed relatively often and easily, seeing these symptoms can be useful to deduce a condition

Disclaimer: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO DIAGNOSE OR TREAT SOMEONE IF YOU’RE NOT A DOCTOR

As deductionists we benefit from the knowledge that someone MIGHT have a certain condition based on the symptoms we see and out VERY LIMITED medical knowledge, it can help us avoid foods or situations that might lead to negative reactions when interacting with people, it can help us understand someone’s life and desicions better, it can help us understand and avoid things someone might be insecure about, but UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCE do we have the authority or knowledge to actively diagnose or treat someone unless we are doctors.