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- Iron Deficiency Anemia
- SYMPTOMS. In mild cases there will be a lack of energy and the victim will
- be easily fatigued. In more severe cases there will be rapid heartbeat,
- rapid pulse and shortness of breath.
- In very severe cases there may be ringing in the ears, drowsiness, spots
- before the eyes, weakness, low-grade fever, headache, dizziness, psychotic
- behavior and stomach and intestinal complaints.
- CAUSES. Anemia is caused by a shortage of iron in the system. The iron is
- needed to produce the red blood cell pigment called hemoglobin which carries
- oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. The shortage of iron may be caused by
- not enough iron in the diet, blood loss through excessive menstruation, a
- slow-bleeding ulcer, hookworm, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal tumors.
- TREATMENT. Your doctor will make certain that the deficiency of iron is from
- the lack of iron in the system and not from some other type of anemia that
- has similar symptoms.
- .Your doctor may prescribe medication of iron tablets or injections. He may
- place you on an iron-rich diet of foods such as meat (especially liver),
- eggs, whole wheat bread, beets, spinach and raisins.
- .You may find it helpful to consult with a nutritionist.