Iron Deficiency Anemia: Treatment, Procedure, Cost and Side Effects

Haemoglobin, which appears to be a vital protein in the human red blood cells (RBCs), is concerned with the transportation of dissolved oxygen to the different body tissues. A fall in the level of haemoglobin in the red blood cells can give rise to the condition commonly referred to as anaemia. Anaemia may be of several types, out of which, iron deficiency anaemia appears to be one of the most common types of anaemia. This condition is found to occur due to the lack of an essential mineral, i.e. iron in the blood of the patient. When such a condition occurs due to the scarcity of iron within the body, the blood fails to carry the necessary amount of oxygen to the concerned body tissues.

In women, throughout their puberty, iron deficiency anaemia is a very common due to loss of haemoglobin in blood, that is caused from heavy flow during menstruation or in case of pregnancy.

Generally in the initial stage of iron deficiency anaemia no such symptoms are notified due to its mild effects. But as the person suffers from iron deficiency, it tends to more severe anaemic conditions. The main symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia involves weakness, pale/ whitish skin colour, drowsiness, poor appetite, chest pain, headache, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, lack of interest in doing work, nausea and others. Pregnant women often suffer from some of the above mentioned symptoms because of lower intake of the mineral iron in their diet.

A proper diagnosis by an experienced physician is a prerequisite for successful treatment for this condition. Test of blood cells as prescribed by the concerned doctor is considered to be helpful. In case of bleeding from any internal organ, it should be taken into medical concern.

The treatment of iron deficiency anaemia involves some tests, i.e. tests for blood cells, tests for haemoglobin count and tests for internal bleeding. Anaemia can be detected normally by a complete blood cell test (CBC tests). If not, then further tests are required. Intake of iron pills can help recovering this anaemia. Healthy diet including mineral iron might be helpful. However it is always recommended for a person suffering from any of these symptoms to consult an experienced doctor to be more precise with the case. Oral iron therapy with oral ferrous iron salts is effective for the treatment of iron deficiency anaemia.

During pregnancy or after child birth women should be under regular routine checkups to avoid any unfavourable conditions regarding iron deficiency. If any woman is under improper nutrition diet then it must be taken into concern so that both the mother and the child get appropriate quantity of vitamins and minerals to avoid iron deficiency anaemia.

However, general treatment of iron deficiency anaemia is not very much costly and can be easily treated simply by the intake of iron in diet, but in case of internal bleeding or peptic ulcer it can be a vital cause for leading to more infectious conditions in the body. Persons suffering from blood loss due to ulcer, piles or internal haemorrhage must be under proper treatment under skilled doctors. Certain tests and medications as prescribed by the doctors might be helpful in such cases. Surgical treatment in certain cases if recommended by a doctor may prove to be helpful.

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common case nowadays. Treatment has become essential for most of the individuals because of their physiological awareness. However, there are no such side effects of this treatment. Rather, if one who is going through the problem and is still not under medical concern, might face severe other problems that may arise from loss of haemoglobin and improper oxygen supply in blood in the near future. In many of the cases, loss of oxygenated blood supply leads to improper functioning of the body tissues which further leads to damage of certain body parts.

In case of some surgical conditions, such as organ damage or loss of organ, various side effects can happen to occur if the case is not taken under medical concern as soon as possible. In such cases, a person may also die due to excessive bleeding. Blood cell transfusion may be recommended, if required.

The post treatment guidelines include proper medications to maintain the iron level in blood, pills to be taken regularly that helps in stimulating erythropoiesis (a physiological process of formation of red blood cells in our body). A person who has gone through this treatment must be conscious with his/her diet throughout life. In case of infants, regular intake of proper minerals, vitamins, protein is very much required in their diet.

Persons who had gone through any surgical treatment for this condition must follow proper regular medications and diet as recommended by the concerned doctor.

In case of initial condition of iron deficiency anaemia the time of recovery is generally low and may require about two week’s time. But in case of severe disease conditions recovery may not be so quick and may take about four to five weeks. If a person has ulcer, piles, or any internal bleeding condition due to which loss of haemoglobin is notified then in that case recovery may take longer time.

The cost of treatment of iron deficiency anaemia is not so high. It generally ranges between Rs. 500 to Rs 10,000. The total expanses include, cost of medical tests that is to be done for confirmation of the anaemic condition and the prices of medicines and surgery if required any.

The results of treatment are permanent in some of the cases and are temporary in other cases. Patients who have anaemia genetically do not get permanent recovery from this problem. Moreover, some of the cases involving depression in the production of red blood cell, the patient needs to take recommended diet and proper medications for a longer time. In case of persons suffering from ulcers, piles, internal bleeding, and other related cases take more time to recover.