How to Treat Iron Anemia

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when the body does not produce enough iron, causing the body to make smaller and fewer red blood cells. Hemoglobin is a part of the red blood cell and carries oxygen through the body. Iron deficiency anemia is a signal that the body is not producing enough hemoglobin and less oxygen is circulating in the body. The condition can be chronic or temporary.

Things You'll Need

• List of symptoms
• Doctor's appointment

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Instructions

How to Treat Iron Anemia

• 1

  Determine whether symptoms of iron deficiency anemia exist. Symptoms can occur slowly and be mild but increase in intensity as iron anemia worsens. Symptoms can include:

  Dizziness
  Weakness and tired feeling
  Pale complexion
  Headaches
  Shortness of breath
  Trouble concentrating
  Rapid heartbeat
  Numbness or coldness in hands and feet
  Irritability

  In babies and children, symptoms can include:

  Short attention span
  Moodiness or fussiness
  Slower growth development
  Developmental issues, including talking and walking much later than anticipated

• 2

  Consult a doctor if you experience symptoms of iron anemia. A trained physician will ask a series of questions regarding medical history and symptoms and run appropriate blood tests to determine if the symptoms fit the criteria of iron anemia. Blood tests can include red blood cell counts and an iron test.

  Risk factors for iron anemia can include:

  Intestinal disorders
  Chronic blood loss
  Family history
  Poor diet
  Menstruation
  Pregnancy
  Age

• 3

  Follow all instructions provided by a physician for treatment of iron anemia. Typically, iron supplements are recommended for several months, even if the patient begins to feel better. In some cases, iron shots are given if the body is unable to absorb iron. Diet can affect the amount of iron in the body. Eating foods rich in iron, such as spinach, raisins, corn and apricots, can help alleviate symptoms. In extreme cases, a blood transfusion may be needed to replace blood with damaged red blood cells with healthy blood when all other treatment options are exhausted.