Non specific symptoms of iron deficiency include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath and symptoms of congestive heart failure. Fatigue is a particularly common complaint among patients.
Iron deficiency anemia is extremely common, occurring in about 10% to 15% of premenopausal women and frequently seem in persons with chronic gastrointestinal blood loss or poor iron absorption.
In this form of anemia, the red blood cells are smaller than normal and pale in color due to low amounts of hemoglobin.
The major consequences of iron deficiency anemia include a higher risks of maternal mortality, fetal growth retardation, increased prenatal and perinatal mortality and lowered physical activity.
When blood loss resulting in iron deficiency is indolent and protracted, it may take many years until patients seek medical attention.
Iron deficiency anemia symptoms
