Symptoms and signs
The
signs and symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia are often only apparent when the
haemoglobin level drops below 8g/dL. The hematological findings are:
- A microcytic, hypochromic anemia
- Reduced serum iron and ferritin (to distinguish from thalassemia syndrome)
- Increased serum transferrin and total iron binding capacity (TIBC), to distinguish from anaemia of chronic disease)
- Reduced plasma transferrin saturation
- Absence of iron stores demonstrated on bone-marrow smear
Iron deficiency anemia is characterized by pallor (reduced amount
of oxyhemoglobin in skin or mucous membrane), fatigue and weakness. Because it
tends to develop slowly, adaptation occurs and the disease often goes
unrecognized for some time.
In severe cases, dyspnea (trouble breathing) can occur. Unusual obsessive food cravings, known as pica, may develop. Pagophagia or pica for ice is a very specific symptom and may disappear with correction of iron deficiency anemia. Hair loss and lightheadedness can also be associated with iron deficiency anemia.
Other symptoms and signs of iron deficiency anemia include:
- Angina
- Constipation
- Sleepiness
- Tinnitus
- Mouth ulcer
- Palpitations
- Hair loss
- Fainting or feeling faint
- Depression
- Breathlessness on exertion.
- Twitching muscles
- Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations
- Missed menstrual cycle
- Heavy menstrual period
- Koilonychia (spoon-shaped nails) or nails that are weak or brittle
- Poor appetite
- Pruritus (Itchiness)
- Dysphagia due to formation of esophageal webs (Plummer-vinson syndrome).
- Angular stomatitis
- Restless Leg Syndrome
