What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?
Aug 19, 2021
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Xing Jian
Introduction
The primary symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia include dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue. Patients may also exhibit difficulty concentrating. A third manifestation is decreased appetite caused by iron-deficiency anemia, accompanied by abdominal distension and discomfort. In summary, iron-deficiency anemia commonly presents with palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness; some patients may also experience reduced appetite.
Weight loss has become a popular trend nowadays. In clinical practice, we recently encountered a young female patient—approximately in her teens—who pursued weight loss obsessively. One day, she suddenly developed palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness.
Her family initially suspected hypoglycemia; however, blood glucose testing revealed normal levels. The patient was subsequently referred to our Department of Hematology outpatient clinic, where her hemoglobin level was found to be only 37 g/L, leading to a diagnosis of iron-deficiency anemia. This case of iron-deficiency anemia resulted directly from extreme dieting for weight loss. Its primary manifestations included dizziness, palpitations, and fatigue. Some patients may also experience difficulty concentrating. A third common symptom is reduced appetite secondary to iron-deficiency anemia, often accompanied by abdominal distension and discomfort.
In summary, iron-deficiency anemia commonly presents with symptoms such as palpitations, fatigue, and dizziness; some patients may also develop decreased appetite. If any of these symptoms occur, prompt evaluation by a hematologist is recommended to establish a definitive diagnosis.
