Physician Advises On Iron Deficiency Anaemia Signs

A consultant pathologist,
Dr Idris Durojaiye, says pale skin, breathlessness, dizziness, cold hands and feet, and fast heartbeat were likely signs and symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia.
Durojaiye, said this in an interview with the press in Lagos
He said, “Iron is an important component of the haemoglobin which enables the red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
“At the early stage, the symptoms can go unnoticed. However, as the anaemia intensifies in the body, the symptoms become noticeable.
“Some of these symptoms include extreme fatigue, pale skin, frequent infections, loss of appetite, dizziness, chest pain, sore tongue and uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in the legs”, he said.
According to him, young children, adolescents and pregnant women are more likely to have iron deficiency anaemia because they have more need for iron.
Durojaiye said that poor nutrition, ill health and blood loss could cause iron deficiency anaemia.
“ Iron deficiency anaemia occurs when the body does not have enough iron, leading to the decreased production of red blood cells. A lack of iron in the body can be caused by several factors.
“ One common cause is blood loss due to menstruation, which usually happens in women who have heavy periods, stomach ulcer and colorectal cancer.
“Pregnancy is also a common factor because the body needs extra iron to ensure that the baby has sufficient blood supply and receives necessary oxygen and nutrients.
“Other factors are chronic kidney disease, gastrointestinal blood loss, nosebleed and poor nutrition”, he said.
He said that iron deficiency anaemia could be prevented and treated with good healthy diets like green leafy vegetables, beans, fruits, sea food, white and red meat, fish and eggs.
“Eating vegetables and fruit rich in vitamin C, especially citrus juices like oranges, grapefruits and tangerines can also enhance your body’s absorption of iron.
“Pregnant women may have to increase the amount of iron-rich food they consume during their pregnancy to help prevent iron deficiency anaemia,” he said.
According to him, iron deficiency anaemia can be prevented in infants by feeding them with breast milk or iron-fortified formula for the first year .
“Cow milk is not a good source of iron for babies and is not recommended for infants under one year.
“Iron from breast milk is more easily absorbed than iron found in formula”, he said.