Loading…
Loading…
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common anaemia caused by insufficient iron for red cell production, usually from blood loss or poor absorption.
Quick Answer
Iron deficiency anaemia is a common anaemia caused by insufficient iron for red cell production, usually from blood loss or poor absorption. Dr. Sachita Baniya (NMC 20158, 8+ years of clinical experience in haematology and haemato-oncology) evaluates iron deficiency anaemia at Kathmandu Neurology Clinic & Cognitive Center, 117 Lal Durbar Marg, Kathmandu, Bagmati Province 44600, Nepal — evidence-based, medically reviewed.
Iron deficiency causes microcytic, hypochromic anaemia and can impair energy, exercise tolerance and cognition. The cause is as important as the anaemia itself, especially in men and postmenopausal women, where gastrointestinal blood loss must be excluded.
Diagnosis uses blood count indices, ferritin, serum iron and transferrin saturation. Ferritin can be falsely normal in inflammation. Coeliac screening and gastrointestinal evaluation are considered when the cause is unclear.
Oral iron is first-line and should continue after haemoglobin correction to replenish stores. Intravenous iron is used for malabsorption, intolerance, ongoing loss or late pregnancy. The underlying cause is treated in parallel.
Management is individualized and discussed with benefits, limitations, and follow-up.
Adequate dietary iron, treating heavy periods and investigating gastrointestinal symptoms can reduce recurrence. Routine supplementation may help during pregnancy.
Red flags — seek urgent care
Iron treats the deficiency but not the cause. Unexplained iron deficiency, especially in men and postmenopausal women, needs investigation for gastrointestinal blood loss.
Usually for several months after haemoglobin normalises to replenish iron stores. The duration depends on the cause and response.
Constipation, nausea, abdominal discomfort and dark stools are common. Alternate-day dosing or a different formulation may improve tolerance.
For malabsorption, intolerance, ongoing loss, late pregnancy or when a rapid response is needed. It is given in a monitored setting.
Yes. Iron deficiency without anaemia can cause fatigue and other symptoms. Ferritin and iron studies help identify it.
Unexplained iron deficiency can be a sign of gastrointestinal cancer, especially in older adults. Investigation is important even when symptoms are mild.
Yes. Tannins can reduce absorption. Taking iron with vitamin C and away from tea, coffee, calcium and antacids improves absorption.
Repeat blood counts and ferritin after treatment, and investigation of the cause. Recurrence warrants reassessment.
Specialist assessment for abnormal blood counts, anaemia, low platelets, bleeding, clotting and suspected blood disorders.
Structured investigation of low haemoglobin — iron deficiency, haemolysis and marrow causes.
Red cell and platelet transfusion support for haematological disease and treatment.
Myelodysplastic syndromes are clonal marrow disorders causing low blood counts and a variable risk of progression to leukemia.
Thalassaemia is an inherited haemoglobin disorder caused by reduced or absent globin chain production.
Pancytopenia is a reduction in all three blood cell lines, caused by marrow failure, destruction or sequestration.
Haematology
Blood Cancer Symptoms: When to See a Haematologist
Unexplained bruising, persistent fatigue, swollen lymph nodes or repeated infections can be early signs of a blood disorder. Here is when to seek a haematology opinion.
Haematology
Anaemia: Why the Cause Matters More Than the Number
Anaemia is a sign, not a diagnosis. Learn how the cause is investigated and why iron tablets alone can be insufficient.
Content on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It is not a substitute for evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified provider with any questions regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this website. In case of a medical emergency, contact emergency services immediately. No doctor–patient relationship is established by use of this site or by contacting the clinic through the site.
Reviewed by Dr. Jitendra Prasad Yadav • Last reviewed: 2026-11-10
Content is educational and aligns with standard medical references; individual evaluation may vary. External links provide context and do not imply endorsement.
Doctor — medically reviewed
Dr. Sachita Baniya
Consultant Haemato-Oncologist & Clinical Hematologist • MBBS, FCPS (Clinical Haematology) • NMC 20158
This condition guide was medically reviewed by Dr. Sachita Baniya.
On this site
Article information
Emergency
For sudden neurologic change, thunderclap headache, or seizure >5 min, seek emergency services now.