ICD-10 · D50.9
Anaemia (Iron Deficiency)
Anaemia is a shortage of healthy red blood cells or haemoglobin, reducing oxygen delivery to tissues. India carries one of the world's highest burdens: more than half of Indian women of reproductive age are anaemic, most commonly from iron deficiency.
Symptoms
Tiredness and weakness, pale skin and inner eyelids, breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, dizziness, headache, brittle nails, hair fall, and unusual cravings for ice, clay or chalk.
Causes & risk factors
Low dietary iron, heavy menstrual bleeding, pregnancy, hookworm infestation, chronic blood loss from ulcers or piles, poor absorption in coeliac disease, and vitamin B12 or folate deficiency in vegetarian diets.
Diagnosis
Complete blood count showing low haemoglobin and small pale red cells, plus serum ferritin, iron studies, and vitamin B12 and folate levels. Unexplained iron deficiency in men or in women after menopause needs evaluation for gastrointestinal bleeding.
Treatment options
Oral iron such as ferrous sulphate, ferrous ascorbate or carbonyl iron, taken with vitamin C and away from tea, coffee, milk and calcium which block absorption. Treatment continues three months beyond normalisation to refill stores. Folic acid and vitamin B12 are added when deficient. Intravenous iron is used for severe deficiency or intolerance. Diet should include green leafy vegetables, jaggery, dates, pulses and, where eaten, meat and liver.
When to see a doctor
Haemoglobin below 8 g/dL, chest pain, fainting, black or bloody stools, anaemia during pregnancy, or no improvement after a month of iron treatment.