Iron Deficiency Anaemia

Iron deficiency anaemia is a reduction in red blood cells or haemoglobin caused by insufficient iron, the most common cause of anaemia worldwide. It is especially common in young children, women of reproductive age, and pregnant women.

• Fatigue and weakness
• Pale skin, lips, and inner eyelids
• Shortness of breath on exertion
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Poor concentration and, in children, reduced appetite and slowed growth

• Inadequate dietary iron intake.
• Chronic blood loss, such as from heavy menstrual periods, hookworm infestation, or gastrointestinal bleeding.
• Increased iron requirements during pregnancy and rapid growth in childhood.
• Poor iron absorption due to certain gastrointestinal conditions.

• Full blood count typically shows low haemoglobin with small, pale red blood cells.
• Further testing, such as stool examination for hookworm or other parasites, may be used to identify an underlying cause, particularly in men and postmenopausal women.
• Severity is often classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on haemoglobin level, guiding the urgency of management.

Oral iron supplementation, with ferrous sulphate as the first-line option, is given for a course of at least three months to correct the anaemia and replenish iron stores.

Any identified underlying cause, such as hookworm infestation, is treated with an appropriate antihelminthic medicine (such as albendazole or mebendazole).

Pregnant women routinely receive iron and folic acid supplementation as part of antenatal care to prevent and treat anaemia in pregnancy.

Severe anaemia with signs of heart strain or haemodynamic instability requires urgent referral and may need blood transfusion.

• Eat iron-rich foods such as leafy green vegetables, legumes, and meat where available.
• Take routine iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy as advised by an antenatal care provider.
• Support deworming programmes to reduce hookworm-related blood loss, particularly in school-age children.
• Seek care for heavy menstrual bleeding rather than leaving it unaddressed.