What's Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Can regular Iron Deficiency Anemia be life-threatening?

• My sister has a bad case of Anemia that she needs iron shots. Iron pills aren't enough to build up the iron level and hemoglobin in her blood. That's how bad it is. I know that Aplastic and Sickel Cell are life-threatening. The Iron Deficiency Anemia I know causes fatigue, listlessness, pallor, shortness of breath, nausea, and lightheadedness. I think it can either cause congestive heart failure or cardiac arrest if not treated. Do you know if it can become really dangerous?

• Answer:

  Has your sister ever had blood transfusions for the anemia? I have had transfusions twice for severe anemia. I have congestive heart failure. Please get her to a doctor immediately if she has these symptoms: Sudden weight gain (three or more pounds in one day, five or more pounds in one week, or whatever amount you were told to report) Shortness of breath not related to exercise or exertion Increases in swelling of the lower limbs (legs or ankles) Swelling or pain in the abdomen Trouble sleeping (waking up short of breath, using more pillows) Frequent dry, hacking cough Increased fatigue More info on the anemia and the heart: Complications Mild iron deficiency anemia usually doesn't cause complications. However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following: Heart problems. Iron deficiency anemia may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Your heart must pump more blood to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the blood when you're anemic. In people with coronary artery disease — narrowing of the arteries that feed the heart — unchecked anemia can lead to angina. Angina is chest pain caused by decreased oxygen and blood flow to the heart muscle. Iron deficiency anemia symptoms also may include: Inflammation or soreness of your tongue Brittle nails Unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances, such as ice, dirt or pure starch Poor appetite, especially in infants and children with iron deficiency anemia Some people with iron deficiency anemia experience restless legs syndrome — an uncomfortable tingling or crawling feeling in your legs that's generally relieved by moving them. Hope this helps :)