However, iron deficiency in the body often leads to similar phenomena. Mir novostei talked about how to recognize anemia and how to deal with it with Irina DOBRETSOVA, a doctor and head of the Center for the Formation of a Healthy Lifestyle.
WHEN IS IT TIME TO BEAT THE ALARM?
We often attribute fatigue to the vagaries of the weather or heavy workload, and increased heart rate or shortness of breath as heart problems. But these symptoms may indicate iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
“There may also be tinnitus, pale skin, flashing of flies in front of the eyes,” says Irina Dobretsova. - There are sudden dizziness and fainting, pallor, a person is constantly freezing. The temperature of 37-37.1 degrees can be kept for a long time. Anemia can lead to swelling of the face in the morning, swelling of the ankles and feet. You shouldn't apply patches to your face or run to a beautician, it's more correct to go for tests."
Pay attention to other symptoms: nails are peeling, elbows become dry, hair falls out. Cracks may appear on the tongue, there is a sensation of a lump in the throat. The taste is distorted, and an unusual reaction to odors appears. Children have the so-called unwashed knee syndrome - they become darkish. IDA leads to difficulties with digestion, muscle weakness, restless legs syndrome, frequent urination, sleep disorders, irritability, and decreased performance.
WHO IS AT RISK
Breastfed babies or babies are prone to anemia if the mother is iron deficient during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Then there are schoolchildren.
“Now children are very busy, they often train in several sections or, if this is a professional sport, they train daily. These children have an increased need for iron. It is also worth paying attention to children in adolescence. Hemoglobin drops during puberty, as well as in girls, when the menstrual cycle is established,”adds Doctor Dobretsova.
It is worth monitoring the level of hemoglobin in the blood with heavy menstruation, pregnant women (every third expectant mother has anemia, and this entails the risks of fetal formation and growth), with gynecological diseases. Patients with chronic blood loss (gastritis, ulcers, hemorrhoids and fissures), with a number of other diseases, as well as those suffering from alcoholism and drug addiction are susceptible to IDA. Vegetarians, adherents of diets, fasting are at risk.
Self-medication with anti-inflammatory and analgesic drugs, as well as antacids, which interfere with iron absorption, can lead to a hemoglobin deficiency.
WHAT CAN KEEP HEMOGLOBIN LEVELS IN NORMAL?
Iron is needed for the normal functioning of the body's immune system. Anemia leads to persistent colds, illness, loss of energy and even depression. A persistent iron deficiency in the body can lead to impotence and menstrual irregularities.
It is important to periodically get tested and checked, and not only on the level of hemoglobin. “Do a detailed blood test with the entire formula. Check ferritin and transferrin, serum iron, liver enzymes - ALT and AST, the level of vitamins B12, D. It is worth undergoing examination by an endocrinologist, gynecologist or andrologist,”recommends Irina Dobretsova.
A varied diet will help maintain hemoglobin levels. Remove fast food from your diet. Eat beef and lamb from meat. Eliminate food containing dyes and preservatives, and it is important: do not drink food with milk, it interferes with the absorption of iron.
You should not take complex synthetic vitamins. The doctor will prescribe iron-containing drugs based on the test results. Iron stores are restored for several months, so therapy should not be abandoned.
Irina Borisova.
Photo: ADOBE STOCK