Symptoms of IDA
Everyone is different and symptoms can vary from person to person; however, these are some of the more common symptoms of IDA:
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Inability to think clearly or concentrate
Irritability
Depression
Shortness of Breath
Pale skin
Brittle nails
Cold extremities
Pica (craving items not typically consumed
CHEST PAIN
The chest pain associated with severe iron deficiency anemia is angina, which is temporary chest pain due to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The pain from angina is felt directly beneath the sternum and is often described as "heaviness" or "deep pain or ache". Shortness of breath is also associated with severe anemia and the angina that sometimes accompanies it. There is also a link between anemia and congestive heart failure (CHF). Some of the symptoms that may present with both of these disorders are similar (fatigue and shortness of breath), and I have been told that CHF can occur with severe anemia, but will go away with successful treatment for the anemia. Swelling in the legs and ankles coupled with any or all of the above listed symptoms could be an indicator of CHF. If you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to see your health care provider to discuss intervention and future treatment.
ANEMIA & YOUR BRAIN
In addition to the standard set of symptoms that come with IDA, research indicates that the brain can also be affected. Specifically, pseudotumor cerebri can occur, appearing as a tumor, but it is not. Some symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, a buzzing sound in the ears, double vision, and potential temporary loss of vision. There are health issues besides IDA as well as certain medications that can cause this condition; however, as it relates to IDA, it is yet another bit of evidence supporting the importance of maintaining balance in our body - even in the blood that we cannot see. Out of sight should not equal out of mind.
Fatigue
Weakness
Dizziness
Inability to think clearly or concentrate
Irritability
Depression
Shortness of Breath
Pale skin
Brittle nails
Cold extremities
Pica (craving items not typically consumed
CHEST PAIN
The chest pain associated with severe iron deficiency anemia is angina, which is temporary chest pain due to a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle. The pain from angina is felt directly beneath the sternum and is often described as "heaviness" or "deep pain or ache". Shortness of breath is also associated with severe anemia and the angina that sometimes accompanies it. There is also a link between anemia and congestive heart failure (CHF). Some of the symptoms that may present with both of these disorders are similar (fatigue and shortness of breath), and I have been told that CHF can occur with severe anemia, but will go away with successful treatment for the anemia. Swelling in the legs and ankles coupled with any or all of the above listed symptoms could be an indicator of CHF. If you have any of these symptoms, do not hesitate to see your health care provider to discuss intervention and future treatment.
ANEMIA & YOUR BRAIN
In addition to the standard set of symptoms that come with IDA, research indicates that the brain can also be affected. Specifically, pseudotumor cerebri can occur, appearing as a tumor, but it is not. Some symptoms are headache, dizziness, nausea, a buzzing sound in the ears, double vision, and potential temporary loss of vision. There are health issues besides IDA as well as certain medications that can cause this condition; however, as it relates to IDA, it is yet another bit of evidence supporting the importance of maintaining balance in our body - even in the blood that we cannot see. Out of sight should not equal out of mind.
