The treatment of iron deficiency anaemia centres on two primary goals: restoring adequate iron levels in the body and identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the deficiency.
To fix the problem for good, doctors need to do more than just add iron. They must also find out what caused the iron levels to drop. Without this, the anaemia could come back. Luckily, this condition is easy to treat and prevent when handled early and in a way that suits each person.
Treatment usually includes iron supplements, diet changes, and managing blood loss. In some cases, it may involve medical or surgical care. The exact plan depends on how bad the anaemia is, the person’s age, medical background, and how quickly they need iron levels restored.
Oral Iron Supplementation for Iron Deficiency Anaemia
The most common and cheapest way to replace iron is by taking iron pills. These usually come in forms like ferrous sulphate, ferrous fumarate, or ferrous gluconate. Ferrous sulphate is the most used.
People often take:
- Adults: 100–200 mg of iron each day, split into one or two doses.
- Children: The amount is based on age and weight.
To get the best results, people should take the tablets:
- On an empty stomach. But if this causes a sore tummy, they can take it with food.
- With vitamin C, such as orange juice, to help the body absorb it.
- Without calcium-rich foods, tea, coffee, or medicines like antacids, as these block absorption.
Haemoglobin levels usually start to rise within 2–3 weeks. Full recovery takes about 2–3 months. Even after levels go back to normal, iron tablets should continue for several more months to fill up body stores.
Common side effects include:
- Feeling sick
- Constipation or loose stool
- Dark stool colour
- A strange metal taste in the mouth
These side effects often improve by adjusting the dose or changing the type of pill. Slow-release tablets may help with stomach issues but don’t absorb as well.
Intravenous Iron Therapy
Doctors use IV iron when:
- The person can’t handle iron pills due to strong side effects.
- The body can’t absorb iron well, like in coeliac disease or bowel problems.
- There’s a need to fix iron levels quickly, for example, before surgery or during heavy bleeding.
- The person hasn’t improved after trying pills.
IV iron types include iron sucrose, ferric carboxymaltose, and iron dextran. These are often given in clinics and raise iron levels in days or weeks.
Modern IV iron is safe for most people. Mild reactions, like a warm feeling or dizziness, may happen. Serious allergic reactions are rare but need fast care.
Blood Transfusion and Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Doctors use blood transfusions when:
- The anaemia is severe, with haemoglobin under 7 g/dL.
- The person has strong symptoms like chest pain or extreme tiredness.
- There is an emergency, such as trauma or major bleeding.
Transfusions help right away, but they do not fix the iron shortage. People still need iron treatment afterward to stop it from coming back.
Treating the Underlying Cause of Iron Deficiency Anaemia
To avoid repeat problems, it’s key to find out why iron levels dropped. Just giving iron won’t help for long.
Here are common causes and treatments:
- Heavy periods: May need hormone therapy or surgery.
- Stomach or bowel bleeding: Doctors may treat ulcers or remove growths.
- Parasites: Infections like hookworm need deworming medicine.
- Poor diet: Nutrition advice and long-term food changes help a lot.
In many young women, heavy bleeding and not eating enough iron are the main causes. Spotting this helps avoid unnecessary tests.
Dietary Management for Iron Deficiency Anaemia
Iron from food also helps treat and stop anaemia. People should eat both animal and plant-based iron foods.
Foods with haem iron (easier to absorb):
- Red meat like beef
- Liver
- Chicken and fish
Foods with non-haem iron:
- Lentils and beans
- Tofu
- Spinach and kale
- Iron-fortified cereal
- Seeds and nuts
Non-haem iron is harder to absorb. Eating it with foods high in vitamin C, like oranges or tomatoes, improves uptake. On the other hand, calcium, tea, and some grains block absorption, so they should be eaten at different times.
Monitoring and Follow-Up in Iron Deficiency Anaemia
After starting treatment, doctors need to check if it’s working. Blood tests usually happen:
- 2–4 weeks later, to see if haemoglobin levels are rising.
- 8–12 weeks later, to check if iron stores are full.
Once iron levels are steady, people might get tested every 6–12 months. This is more important for those with long-term health issues or a high chance of relapse.
Doctors also check how the person feels. They look for signs like more energy, clearer thinking, better stamina, and improved skin and hair. These changes often help people stay motivated and stick to their plan.
Iron Deficiency Anaemia Treatment Summary
The treatment of iron deficiency anaemia needs more than just adding iron. A full plan must also fix the cause, support healing, and stop it from happening again.
With iron tablets or IV therapy, good food, and treatment of the cause, most people get better. They can return to a normal, healthy life. Regular checks and education help keep iron levels steady and avoid serious problems.
