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Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

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Iron-deficiency anemia can range from mild to severe. People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any signs sign (SINE):
In medicine, signs are evidence of disease that can be found or measured during a physical exam, laboratory test, or medical procedure; some examples include fever, high blood pressure readings, high levels of cholesterol in the blood, high levels of immune cells or inflammatory markers in the blood or other body sample, increased body mass index, low oxygen or high carbon dioxide levels in the blood, and abnormal imaging, biopsy, or other test results. or symptoms symptom (SIMP-tum):
A problem that a patient experiences that may indicate disease but cannot be seen and does not show up on medical tests or procedures; some examples include headache, fatigue, nausea, or pain. . Symptoms generally worsen as anemia becomes more severe. If left untreated, iron deficiency can cause complications and may be life-threatening.

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\n Signs and Symptoms \n
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

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Common signs of iron-deficiency anemia include:

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  • Brittle nails or spooning of the nails
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  • Cracks at the sides of the mouth
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  • Pale skin
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  • Swelling or soreness of the tongue
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Common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include: 

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  • Chest pain
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  • Coldness in the hands and feet
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  • Difficulty concentrating
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  • Dizziness
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  • Fatigue, or feeling tired, is the most common symptom. This can make it hard to find the energy to do normal activities.
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  • Headache
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  • Irregular heartbeat. This is a sign of more serious iron-deficiency anemia.
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  • Pica Pica (PI-ka):
    A pattern of unusual cravings for nonfood items or food with no nutritional value, such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch.     , which are unusual cravings for nonfood items, such as ice, dirt, paint, or starch.
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  • Restless legs syndrome
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  • Shortness of breath
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  • Weakness
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\n Complications \n
- Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

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Undiagnosed or untreated iron-deficiency anemia may cause the following complications:

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  • Depression
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  • Heart problems. If you do not have enough hemoglobin-carrying red blood cells, your heart has to work harder to move oxygen-rich blood through your body. Cells in tissues need a steady supply of oxygen to work well. Normally, hemoglobin in red blood cells takes up oxygen in the lungs and carries it to all the tissues of the body. When your heart has to work harder, this can lead to several conditions: irregular heartbeats called arrhythmias, a heart murmur, an enlarged heart, or even heart failure.
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  • Increased risk of infections
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  • Motor or cognitive cognitive (KOG-nih-tiv):
    Describes higher brain functions involved in learning, including the ability to process information, remember, reason, and understand.     development delays     in children
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  • Pregnancy complications, such as preterm delivery or giving birth to a baby with low birth weight
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In people with chronic conditions, iron-deficiency anemia can make their condition worse or result in treatments not working as well.

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- Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications

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  • Diagnosis will discuss any procedures used to detect signs of iron-deficiency anemia and help rule out other types of anemia.
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  • Treatment will explain treatment-related complications or side effects.
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Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/subscribe/4027
Source Agency: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI)
Captured Date: 2018-06-12 15:40:00.0
","description":"Iron-deficiency anemia can range from mild to severe. People with mild or moderate iron-deficiency anemia may not have any signs or symptoms. Common signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include pale skin, fatigue and shortness of breath. Complications of iron-deficiency anemia include heart problems such as arrhythmias and depression.","id":17875,"mediaType":"Html","name":"Iron-Deficiency Anemia - Signs, Symptoms, and Complications","sourceUrl":"https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/subscribe/4027"}]}