Why It Can Be a Heavy Load to Carry

Iron. Depending on the person, it may conjure up a variety of images. Maybe you think of a structural material. Others may think of the dreaded household task of getting wrinkles out of clothes. But for more than three million people in the United States, a lack of iron in the blood is a major issue.

Iron is a mineral that helps our bodies function properly. It is part of our hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen from our lungs to the rest of our bodies. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen.

If your body doesn’t have enough iron, it can’t make enough of the oxygen-carrying red blood cells. When the body doesn’t get enough oxygen, fatigue results. This is one of the most common signs of iron deficiency, which is a leading cause of anemia. Anemia is a condition defined by a reduced amount of healthy oxygen carrying red blood cells.

Other Symptoms of Iron Deficiency

Shortness of Breath

Because it is hard for your body to get oxygen, it makes sense that low iron would cause shortness of breath, especially when exercising.

Pale Skin

Hemoglobin in the blood gives it that red color, which also puts a rosiness in some skin tones. When the hemoglobin is low, the red blood cells shrink and become smaller, taking away the healthy color or warmth in the skin. If you have a darker skin tone, pull down your lower eyelid. If it is a pale pink or yellow color, this may be a sign of anemia.

Chest Pain and/or Heart Palpitations

Because a loss of iron affects your red blood cell count, a shortage could cause your heart to work harder to deliver oxygen throughout the body — and cause you to develop heart palpitations, murmurs, or an enlarged heart. People could suffer a heart attack or stroke if they develop iron deficiency.

Dizziness

Again, because anemia prevents oxygen from getting to all the parts of your body as necessary, dizziness is your body telling you to relax and lie down to allow more oxygen to get to your brain.

Cold Extremities

Cold hands and feet are another sign of iron deficiency since your body is not sending as many red blood cells into those areas.

Swelling of the Tongue

Iron deficiency can also show up on your tongue and inside your mouth. Signs include painful swelling of the tongue, dry mouth, mouth ulcers, and painful cracks in the corners of your lips.

Brittle Nails

Anemia can also cause your nails to chip and crack easily. People with prolonged iron deficiency may develop koilonychia, which are spoon-shaped nails where the edges of the nail are raised and the middle of the nail dips down, forming the appearance of a spoon.

Who is at Risk?

Iron deficiency is very common, especially among women. In fact, almost 10 percent of women are iron deficient. Here are some groups at the highest risk for anemia:

  • New moms and women who are breastfeeding
  • Women who experience heavy menstrual periods
  • People who suffer from celiac disease, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn’s disease
  • People who have undergone weight loss surgery, such as bariatric or gastric bypass
  • Vegetarians and vegans whose diets do not include iron-rich foods
  • People who have undergone major surgery

Testing and Treatment

Any Lab Test Now® offers a comprehensive Anemia Panel to determine if you are iron deficient. You do not need to fast for this test, and you don’t need insurance or even an appointment to take advantage of Any Lab Test Now’s affordable lab testing. Test results generally take between 24 to 72 business hours, and customers can choose to have test results mailed, faxed, or pick them up at the testing location.

Once you get the results, you can work with your regular doctor to figure out the best course of treatment, which could include simple changes to your diet or supplements. In certain cases, an infusion of iron might be necessary.

Be at Ease

At Any Lab Test Now, we understand that people may have concerns about going to a healthcare facility during the coronavirus outbreak. You can be at ease knowing that we are providing you a safe and clean location for your lab work. Each of our 190+ stores are sanitized several times a day, in accordance with the CDC’s protocols. When you get your test results, you can easily make a telemedicine appointment with your physician and share the details. Any Lab Test Now is a committed partner in helping you to make educated healthcare decisions that can benefit your quality of life.

Find your closest Any Lab Test Now store at www.anylabtestnow.com.