Anaemia

What is iron deficiency anaemia?

Iron deficiency anaemia happens when your body doesn't have enough iron. Iron is important because it helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen around your body. When you don't have enough iron, you don't have enough healthy red blood cells. This means less oxygen gets to your organs and muscles.

What are the symptoms?

The most common signs include:

• Feeling very tired and lacking energy
• Getting out of breath easily
• Your heart beating faster than normal (palpitations)
• Looking paler than usual
• Getting headaches

Some people also experience less common symptoms like:

• Hearing ringing or buzzing sounds in your ears
• Food tasting different
• Feeling itchy
• Hair falling out more than usual
• Wanting to eat strange things like ice or paper
• Difficulty swallowing
• Painful sores at the corners of your mouth
• Changes to your nails (they might look spoon-shaped)
• Restless legs

Important: If you have any of these symptoms, speak to your GP. Don't ignore feeling tired all the time - it could be a sign that something needs treating.

How is it diagnosed?

Your GP will ask about your lifestyle and medical history. They'll do a blood test called a full blood count (FBC) to check your red blood cells. You don't need to prepare for this test - just turn up as normal.

Sometimes your GP might need other tests to find out what's causing the anaemia. This could include checking a sample of your poo for blood, or referring you to a specialist.

How is it treated?

Once your GP finds out why you have iron deficiency anaemia, they'll recommend treatment. This usually means:

Iron tablets: You'll likely need to take these for about 6 months. Drinking orange juice after taking them can help your body absorb the iron better.

Side effects from iron tablets can include constipation, diarrhoea, tummy pain, heartburn, feeling sick, or darker poo. Taking tablets with food can help reduce these problems. Keep taking them even if you get side effects - speak to your GP if they're troublesome.

Safety warning: Keep iron tablets away from children - too much iron can be very dangerous for young children.

What foods can help?

Your GP might suggest eating more iron-rich foods:

• Dark green leafy vegetables (watercress, curly kale)
• Fortified cereals and bread
• Meat
• Dried fruit (apricots, prunes, raisins)
• Beans, peas, and lentils

Try to have less tea, coffee, and milk around meal times, as these can stop your body absorbing iron properly.

What causes it?

Common causes include:

• Heavy periods
• Pregnancy
• Bleeding in your stomach or intestines
• Not eating enough iron-rich foods

Why is treatment important?

Without treatment, iron deficiency anaemia can make you more likely to get infections and may cause heart problems. If you're pregnant, it can increase risks during pregnancy and birth.

Remember: If you think you might have iron deficiency anaemia, speak to your GP. Simple tests can confirm the diagnosis, and treatment is usually very effective.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.