Can iron deficiency anemia be life-threatening?

Anemia can be temporary or long term (chronic). In many cases, it’s mild, but anemia can also be serious and life-threatening. Anemia can happen because: Your body doesn’t make enough red blood cells.

What causes life-threatening anemia?

This rare, life-threatening anemia occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Causes of aplastic anemia include infections, certain medicines, autoimmune diseases and exposure to toxic chemicals. Anemias associated with bone marrow disease.

When is anemia an emergency?

Persistent fatigue, breathlessness, rapid heart rate, pale skin, or any other symptoms of anemia; seek emergency care for any trouble breathing or change in your heart beat.

How do I know if my anemia is severe?

Symptoms

1. Extreme fatigue.
2. Weakness.
3. Pale skin.
4. Chest pain, fast heartbeat or shortness of breath.
5. Headache, dizziness or lightheadedness.
6. Cold hands and feet.
7. Inflammation or soreness of your tongue.
8. Brittle nails.

Can you get disability for anemia?

Severe anemia, thrombocytopenia, hemophilia, and other blood diseases can qualify for disability benefits.

What foods can cure anemia?

Leafy greens. Leafy greens,especially dark ones,are among the best sources of nonheme iron.

Meat and poultry. All meat and poultry contain heme iron.

Liver. Many people shy away from organ meats,but they’re a great source of iron.

Seafood. Some seafood provides heme iron.

Fortified foods. Many foods are fortified with iron.

Beans.

Nuts and seeds.

What are the risks of untreated anemia?

Severe or untreated iron-deficiency anemia during pregnancy can increase your risk of having: A preterm or low-birth-weight baby. A blood transfusion (if you lose a significant amount of blood during delivery) Postpartum depression. A baby with anemia. A child with developmental delays.

What is the prognosis of iron deficiency anemia?

Mild iron deficiency anemia usually doesn’t cause complications. However, left untreated, iron deficiency anemia can become severe and lead to health problems, including the following: Heart problems. Iron deficiency anemia may lead to a rapid or irregular heartbeat.

Can you have iron deficiency without anemia?

You may have iron deficiency or iron depletion without having anemia. The main cause of iron deficiency is inadequate iron intake. This can be due to following a diet based on mainly the same plants with little meat source, or general low calorie intake in relation to how much you need. Another cause is inadequate iron absorption.