IDA: Causes and Symptoms

Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is most frequently the result of malnutrition worldwide. Chronic blood loss from peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, colon polyps or colorectal cancer, GI bleeding from regular use of over-the-counter pain relievers, and alcohol overuse are also common causes. Malabsorption conditions found in people with celiac disease can inhibit iron absorption, and patients who have had a gastric bypass can develop IDA. Since iron is usually absorbed in the duodenum, and following a gastric bypass, food bypasses the duodenum, patients will need to take more dietary supplements in order to make up for the loss. ^14,15

Patients with iron deficiency go through a progression from mild to severe anemia. Initially, people may be asymptomatic. More serious forms can lead to extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, fast heart rate, shortness of breath, headache, dizziness or lightheadedness, and cold hands and feet. Inflammation or soreness of the tongue, also known as glossitis as seen in the top image, can occur as well as poor appetite and unusual cravings for things like ice, dirt, or starch known as pica. In addition, there can be physical changes in the nails like spooning, shown in the bottom image.^4,6,15