Iron deficiency anemia with dysphagia
Disease description:
I have iron deficiency anemia, and for the past few days I've been feeling difficulty swallowing when eating, which is very uncomfortable. I would like to know why iron deficiency anemia can cause difficulty in swallowing.
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Haochen
Iron deficiency dysphagia is generally associated with iron deficiency and is mainly caused by a membrane layer in the esophageal wall. However, not all patients with iron deficiency anemia experience difficulty swallowing. Therefore, iron deficiency is not the only cause; it may also be related to deficiencies in B vitamins, physical constitution, race, family factors, and others. Clinically, patients present with difficulty swallowing solid foods, weight loss, pallor, as well as clubbing of fingers, splenomegaly, or even combined spleen involvement. After excluding other underlying diseases in the patient, it is best to consume more iron-rich foods—particularly animal organs such as pork liver, pork heart, and pig blood.
