Microcytic Hypochromic anemia caused due to Iron deficiency :
In case of microcytic hypochromic anemia which is caused by Iron deficiency. The red blood cells produced are smaller in size and colour too is slightly lesser reddish as compared to normal red blood cells. Reason is obvious that the hemoglobin concentration is low. Therefore the iron content in the red blood cells is lower which makes the red blood cells appear slightly less reddish in colour. Due to iron deficiency the size of the cell is reduced. The red blood cells are termed as microcytic hypochromic.
Iron deficiency anemia occurs in the patients with chronic history of bleeding and blood loss, resulting in the depletion of body iron. One of the reasons in women is the chronic blood loss during the menstrual cycle. Menorrhagia, which is excessive uncontrolled blood loss.
The condition worsen when the patients don’t take diets that contain iron rich food. Or intake of food is reduced due to other diseases like hepatitis or gastritis.
Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia or microcytic hypochromic anemia:
Body weakness or Fatigue, headache , chest pain, shortness of breath, arrhythmia. Pale skin, lightheadedness, lack of appetite, swelling of tongue or inflammation of tongue, blackening can be seen on the tongue, cold feet, cold hands. Carvings for earth, ice.
Causes of iron deficiency and microcytic hypochromic anemia.
1) Heavy blood loss during menstrual cycle, Menorrhagia.
2) Insufficient dietary supplement of iron rich food. Diet deficiency.
3) Duodenal and gastric atrophy. Damage to epithelial cells of digestive tract:
Gastric track from duodenum to intestine is responsible for absorption of iron from food in to the blood. Damage to gastric lining causes insufficient absorption of vitamins, proteins and iron leading to iron deficiency.
5) Parasitic infestation: hookworms and whipworms infestation in the intestine, causes iron deficiency.
6) Uterine fibroids are associated with heavy blood loss.
Some women’s uterus forms fibrosis and fibroids which is one of the reasons for heavy uncontrolled blood loss during the menstrual cycle. In such cases hysterectomy is preferred and the uterus is removed to avoid further blood loss and further complications.
Pregnancy associated iron deficiency:
During pregnancy iron requirement increases therefore food rich in iron and vitamin B12 and Folic acid should be provided to pregnant women.
Iron deficiency in children:
Childrens are likely to get iron deficiency due to worm infestation, and dietary insufficiency. Childrens should be provided a diet rich in Vitamin B12 and folic acid and iron.
