Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia: Causes, Symptoms & Diagnosis

1. What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

IDA occurs when your body doesn’t have enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Without enough hemoglobin, oxygen delivery to tissues is compromised, leading to fatigue and weakness.

2. Common Causes

Poor diet (low in iron-rich foods)
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Pregnancy (increased iron demand)
Gastrointestinal bleeding (ulcers, polyps)
Parasitic infections (hookworms common in some regions)

3. Symptoms to Watch For

Chronic fatigue
Pale skin or gums
Shortness of breath
Headaches
Brittle nails or hair loss
Restless leg syndrome

4. Diagnostic Tests at PathCare Kenya

We offer:

Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Serum Ferritin
Serum Iron and TIBC
Peripheral Blood Smear

Accurate lab results guide effective treatment and prevent misdiagnosis.

5. Treatment Options

Oral iron supplements
Dietary changes (leafy greens, red meat, legumes)
Treating underlying causes (e.g., ulcers, infections)

6. Prevention

Include iron-rich foods in your diet
Routine screening for at-risk populations
Deworming and addressing chronic blood loss early

Partner with PathCare Kenya

With cutting-edge diagnostic tools and experienced pathologists, PathCare Kenya ensures fast and accurate diagnosis of Iron Deficiency Anemia. Early diagnosis saves lives.