Iron Deficiency - Symptoms and Treatmeant Options

Iron is an essential nutrient found in the hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance found in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs and transporting it throughout your body. When the body does not have enough iron, it cannot make enough cells to carry oxygen. In addition, iron is also beneficial in maintaining healthy skin, hair and nails.

Low iron is usually found when physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary send patients for routine blood work. Part of that routine blood work usually includes a CBC count (complete blood cell). A CBC measures different components in the blood including the red blood cells, white blood cells, the hemoglobin, hematocrit, and the blood platelets. If you are found to have low iron, it is always recommended that you get proper intake in the form of an iron supplement.

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How much iron you need is dependent on your age, gender, and your overall health. Women generally need more iron then men as a result of blood loss during menstruation. It is recommended that women between the age of 19 and 50 get at least 18 milligrams of iron per day, whereas men are only required to get 8 milligrams. An individual may also require more iron if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. Individuals on kidney dialysis may also require iron as it can remove iron from the body. Gastrointestinal disorders such as Celiac and Crohn’s can also significantly reduce iron levels.

Symptoms of low iron include weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, pale skin, soreness or swelling of the tongue, cold hands and/or feet, a fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches and brittle nails. Low iron can also lead to anemia – the final stage of having low iron, which occurs when your iron levels or low for a long period of time. As a result, anemia can worsen these symptoms. While the symptoms of low iron are generally quite mild, complications can occur. In severe cases, women who are pregnant may go into premature labour. As such, to prevent this from happening, pregnant women will usually take an iron supplement as a part of their prenatal care. There may also be delayed growth in infants and children, and they may be more prone to developing infections.

As mentioned, low iron is usually treated with iron supplements, which can be found at your local pharmacy. It is recommended that they are taken on an empty stomach so that the body can absorb them better. However, iron supplements are also known to be hard on the stomach, so if you find you are sensitive to the supplement you are able to take them with meals if necessary. It is also important to note that iron supplements can cause constipation and stools that are darker in colour, so do not be alarmed if this happens. If you do have any concerns, always feel free to speak with your pharmacy or physician. Alernatively, iron can also be found in your diet by eating more red meat, nuts, dried fruit, and leafy, dark green vegetables.

More diet information can be found at https://alighahary.wordpress.com/.

Hepatitis A

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Similar to Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A also affects the liver, causing inflammation. However, unlike Hepatitis B and C, Hepatitis A does not become chronic and is instead an acute infection – meaning its onset is abrupt and typically requires short-term care.

If you are interested in learning more about Hepatitis B or C, read Dr. Ali Ghahary’s articles titled ‘Information on Hepatitis B (HBV)’ and ‘Contracting Hepatitis C’, which can be found on Wordpress at http://alighahary.wordpress.com and on Weebly at http://alighahary.weebly.com

Hepatitis A is contracted through feces, and is commonly found in regions such as The Caribbean and South America. While outbreaks of Hepatitis A are uncommon in Canada, they can still occur. These outbreaks are often the result of having sexual contact with someone who is already infected with the Hepatitis A virus, or by eating contaminated food that has been prepared by someone with Hepatitis A who has not washed their hands prior. Eating raw or undercooked seafood that has been in sewage-polluted water can also result in the contraction of Hepatitis A.

While most individuals with Hepatitis A will develop symptoms, not everyone does. Symptoms can occur as little as one-week from the initial contact with the virus, or as long as 50 days later. Symptoms of Hepatitis A include: Abdominal pain, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, low-grade fever, loss of appetite, dark urine and jaundice. Typically, children who have been infected with Hepatitis A will experience milder symptoms. However, the older you are, the more severe your symptoms may be. Symptoms can last as little as 1 to 2 weeks or for several months. If you have pre-existing conditions such as chronic liver disease, Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, you are at a higher risk of developing complications from Hepatitis A.

The best way to avoid contracting Hepatitis A is to get vaccinated. The vaccine is usually given in 2 doses 6 months apart, and it will protect you from the virus for up to 20 years. Alternatively, a combined Hepatitis A and Hepatitis B vaccine is also available and is something that Vancouver physicians like Dr. Ali Ghahary recommend, especially for individuals who have not yet been vaccinated.