Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia - Complications, Treatment, and More

Iron Deficiency Symptoms and Treatment: All You Need to Know

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common blood disorder affecting nearly 50% of the population in India, leading to pregnancy complications and accounting for 20% of maternal deaths. It may be caused by poor diet, chronic blood loss, or medical conditions.  

Early identification of symptoms, knowing its aetiology, and receiving appropriate treatment are important for effectively controlling the condition. This guide discusses iron deficiency symptoms in both adults and toddlers, as well as its complications and treatment, to make you more aware of this health condition.  

Table of Contents 

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia? 

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency 

Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Children 

Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia 

Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia 

Frequently Asked Questions 

What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?  

Iron deficiency anaemia is a common blood disorder that occurs when your body does not possess sufficient iron to make healthy red blood cells. This element is crucial in the creation of haemoglobin, the red blood cell protein responsible for the supply of oxygen throughout your body.  

If the iron level remains low, the bone marrow may fail to make sufficient haemoglobin, leading to less oxygen being supplied to tissues and organs. This may result in symptoms such as tiredness, pale complexion, cold extremities on hands and feet, dizziness, and shortness of breath.  

In extreme situations, iron deficiency anaemia symptoms may cause chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and dizziness. The condition is usually caused by blood loss, inadequate food intake, or medical issues associated with iron absorption. Early treatment and diagnosis are essential to avoid such complications. 

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Iron Deficiency Anemia? 

Iron deficiency anaemia may lead to a range of symptoms depending on age, gender, and severity. Discussed below are the frequent symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia: 

• Unusual Tiredness (Fatigue) 

One of the most prevalent iron deficiency anaemia symptoms is ongoing fatigue. This is due to the fact that your body does not have enough iron to make haemoglobin, which carries oxygen throughout the body.  

Without sufficient oxygen, your organs and muscles do not receive the energy they require, leading to exhaustion despite having rest. This fatigue tends to exhibit more intense iron deficiency symptoms in women, particularly during menstruation or pregnancy. 

• Pale Skin (Pallor) 

Iron deficiency skin symptoms usually involve visible paleness, especially on the face, inner eyelids, and nails. While the inside layer of the lower eyelid should be vibrant red in colour in a healthy person, if there is a deficiency of iron, it may appear pale yellow or pink.  

In people with darker skin, paleness could be most apparent on the inner lower eyelids. This is one of the most common signs and symptoms of iron deficiency in adults and children. 

• Breathlessness 

Since iron deficiency lowers the capacity of blood to transport oxygen, you may suffer from shortness of breath in the course of routine activities such as walking, ascending stairs, or physical exercise.  

This symptom arises as your heart pumps harder to circulate blood that has oxygen in it, and it may cause shortness of breath even with low levels of exertion. This is a notable symptom of iron deficiency in pregnancy, in which the body requires a greater amount of oxygen. 

• Headache and Dizziness 

Decreased iron can minimize oxygen to the brain, which may result in frequent dizziness and headaches. Some research shows that symptoms of iron deficiency anaemia may have a correlation with migraines, particularly among females. This sign may also manifest in iron deficiency symptoms in males. 

• Heart Palpitations 

When the body cannot receive sufficient oxygen, the heart adapts by beating faster or erratically, causing heart palpitations. It feels like a fluttering or racing heartbeat and may be accompanied by chest pain.  

It is a troublesome symptom of iron deficiency anaemia symptoms in adults and should be treated by a doctor, particularly if accompanied by chest pain or dizziness. 

• Dry, Damaged Hair and Skin 

Iron deficiency can impact the health of hair and skin, resulting in dry, brittle hair, hair loss, and scaly skin. This may be highly upsetting for teen girls with iron deficiency symptoms. It may also showcase some iron deficiency symptoms in nails, with thin, brittle nails that are prone to splitting.  

• Tongue and Mouth Swelling and Soreness 

Iron deficiency anaemia symptoms in the tongue may cause a sore or make it swollen. Burning sensations, dry mouth, or painful cracks at the corners of the mouth are also experienced. It is usually one of the direct signs of iron deficiency, provided that other symptoms accompany it. 

• Restless Legs Syndrome 

Iron is involved in the regulation of dopamine, and a deficiency leads to restless legs syndrome (RLS). The condition results in an irresistible urge to move your legs, usually with crawling or tingling, particularly at night.  

It leads to sleep disturbance and daytime fatigue. RLS is frequently seen in individuals with pregnancy-induced iron deficiency symptoms and in elderly individuals. 

• Spoon-Shaped Nails (Koilonychia) 

One of the common symptoms of severe iron deficiency is the formation of spoon-shaped nails or koilonychia. The nails become thin, brittle, and concave like a spoon. This is a rare symptom of this condition but can be reversed with the right treatment to boost the body’s iron levels.  

• Cold Hands and Feet 

An inadequate oxygen supply caused by iron deficiency may result in cold hands and feet. These can be accompanied by numbness or tingling. Individuals with symptoms of iron deficiency usually experience a feeling of being abnormally cold, even in a warm setting. 

• Unusual Cravings (Pica) 

Some people with iron deficiency get pica, an abnormal appetite for non-food substances such as ice, clay, dirt, or chalk. This is usually experienced during pregnancy. 

• Frequent Infections and Low Appetite 

Iron is crucial for the proper functioning of the immune system. Lack of iron can result in persistent infections since the body lacks the ability to produce sufficient immune cells. Iron deficiency may also result in loss of appetite in children and the elderly.  

This is one of the typical iron deficiency symptoms in toddlers as well as elderly people. 

What are the Symptoms of Iron Deficiency in Children? 

Iron deficiency symptoms in children include:  

• Pale skin 
• Irritability and fussiness 
• Loss of energy 
• Rapid heart rate 
• Sore or swollen tongue 
• Enlarged spleen 
• Symptoms of Pica 

What are the Complications of Iron Deficiency Anemia? 

If left untreated, iron deficiency anaemia becomes severe and leads to serious health complications like: 

• Brain Fog: A lack of oxygen to the brain can cause difficulty concentrating, memory issues, and mental fatigue. 
• Growth and Developmental Delays: In children, iron deficiency can slow growth, delay developmental milestones, and impair cognitive function. 
• Restless Legs Syndrome: Iron deficiency can lead to uncomfortable sensations in the legs, causing an uncontrollable urge to move them, often worse at night.  
• Heart Conditions: The heart may enlarge or develop heart failure as it struggles to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. 

How do Doctors Manage and Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia? 

Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia involves enhancing iron levels and treating the underlying cause of the deficiency. Here are the two major treatment methods:  

• Oral Iron Supplements: It is the most frequent treatment, and it is taken orally in the form of tablets or capsules to increase iron levels. 
• Iron Infusions: When the cases are extreme or oral supplements do not work, iron is given intravenously (in a vein) for faster absorption. 

Iron deficiency anaemia can be treated when detected early. Learning the iron deficiency symptoms and treating the underlying causes—be it through diet, supplements, or medication—can restore quality of life.   

If you notice symptoms such as weakness, pale complexion, or breathlessness, see a doctor for an appropriate diagnosis and treatment. Be health-conscious to avoid complications down the line.