About this topic
Your body needs iron for many functions. It is a mineral and you can find it in every cell of the body. Your body uses iron to make red blood cells. The red blood cells then carry oxygen to all parts of our body. Anemia is when the body does not have enough red blood cells. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Feeling tired is a sign of this health problem. You may need to rest or sleep whenever you have the time. It may take some time until the iron level in your body returns to normal.
- You may feel coldness in your hands or feet. You can wear heavier socks or shoes or cover your feet with a blanket while you are resting.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- You may need to have some blood tests.
- If your red blood cell counts are too low, you may need to get a blood transfusion.
- You may need to have tests to see if your body is absorbing all the iron you are taking in.
- You may need other tests to see if you are bleeding slowly from inside your body.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Replace the iron in your body. These are iron supplements.
- Help your body absorb iron. This is vitamin C.
Take your drug as ordered by your doctor. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
No, but you should rest if you are feeling weak or tired. ‚
What changes to diet are needed?
Eat food rich in iron, such as: ‚
- Meats and proteins like: Eggs (especially egg yolks), liver, lean red meat (especially beef), oysters, clams, poultry, salmon, tuna, tofu
- Breads and grains like: Iron-fortified breads and cereals, whole grains
- Fruits like: Dried fruits such as prunes, raisins, and apricots; prune juice
- Vegetables like: Spinach and other dark green leafy vegetables; dried beans; white, red, and baked beans; soybeans; peas; lentils; chickpeas
Also eat foods rich in vitamin C such as: ‚
- Fruits like: Oranges, tangerines, kiwi, strawberries, cantaloupe
- Vegetables like: Broccoli, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, potatoes
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Make sure you eat foods rich in iron each day. Also, make sure you are getting vitamin C to help the body take up iron.
- Ask if you should take an iron supplement.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Blood in the stool. Blood may be bright red, dark red, or be mixed in with the stool making it look like black tar.
- Chest pain or very fast heartbeat
- Having a hard time breathing
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Helpful tips
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water each day. Avoid coffee, tea, or soda.
- Do not take more drugs than ordered. Large amounts of iron can be harmful. Take extra iron only as ordered by your doctor.
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have blood in my stool or if my stool is black or tarry looking.
Where can I learn more?
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute ‚
http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/ida/ ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚