Iron-deficiency is a common condition in which the body doesn’t have enough iron to produce hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Fortunately, there is a treatment that can help: iron infusions.
What are Iron Infusions?
Iron infusions are a medical procedure in which iron is delivered into the body through an intravenous line, or IV (into a vein) over the course of 1 to 2 hours. The iron solution is slowly dripped into the vein, and the patient is monitored for any side effects during the procedure. Iron infusions are usually used for individuals with more severe iron-deficiency, and can help to rapidly increase the iron levels in the body and replenish iron stores that have been depleted.
Iron deficiency can be caused by several conditions, including:
- Blood loss: Blood loss, whether due to injury, surgery, heavy menstrual periods, or internal bleeding, can deplete iron stores in the body.
- Poor dietary intake: A diet low in iron-rich foods, such as red meat, poultry, fish, and Iron-fortified cereals, can lead to an iron-deficiency.
- Increased iron requirements: Individuals with rapid growth, such as infants and young children, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have increased iron requirements and may develop an iron-deficiency.
- Chronic diseases: Certain chronic diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, and celiac disease, can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb iron from food, leading to an iron-deficiency.
- Medications: Some medications, such as antacids and proton pump inhibitors, can interfere with iron absorption and increase the risk of an iron-deficiency.
- Internal bleeding: Internal bleeding, such as that caused by a peptic ulcer or cancer, can cause an iron-deficiency if the bleeding is persistent or repeated.
It’s important to note that iron-deficiency anemia can also occur in individuals who have no obvious cause. If you think you may have an iron deficiency, it’s important to see your healthcare provider for a proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Benefits of Iron Infusions
Increased iron levels: Iron infusions can help to rapidly increase the iron levels in the body and replenish iron stores that have been depleted due to blood loss, poor dietary intake, or other causes.
- Improved iron deficiency symptoms: Iron-deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. An iron infusion can help alleviate these symptoms and improve overall well-being.
- Better oxygen delivery: Iron is an essential component of hemoglobin, which is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. By replenishing iron levels, an iron infusion can help improve oxygen delivery to the body’s tissues.
- Increased energy: Iron is important for energy production, and an iron infusion can help to increase energy levels in individuals with iron-deficiencies.
- Reduced risk of complications: Iron-deficiencies can increase the risk of certain complications, such as pregnancy-related complications or infections. An iron infusion can help to reduce this risk by restoring normal iron levels.
Conclusion
Iron infusions can be an effective treatment for iron-deficiency by rapidly increasing the iron levels in the body. Iron infusions can help alleviate symptoms, improve oxygen delivery, increase energy, and reduce the risk of complications.
If you have been diagnosed with an iron-deficiency and require an IV iron infusion, please book an appointment with one of our care coordinators – 604-949-0077.
