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What symptoms can occur in severe iron-deficiency anemia?
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nutritional disease
Children with rickets. The disease, which most commonly strikes children, causes bone deformities such as bowlegs. Rickets is caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium.
Severe iron-deficiency anemia occurs when the body’s iron stores are depleted, impairing the formation of hemoglobin and reducing oxygen transport to tissues.12
Common symptoms of this condition include:
- General physical signs: Fatigue, weakness, and apathy.12
- Circulatory and respiratory effects: Pallor of the skin, shortness of breath (particularly upon exertion), and coldness in the extremities or low resistance to cold temperatures.312
- Dermatological and structural changes: Brittle hair and nails, hair loss, and dry skin.32
- Oral and digestive symptoms: A sore or smooth tongue and pica, which involves cravings for non-food items like dirt.32
- Developmental and systemic impacts: In children, it can negatively affect behavior, learning ability, growth, and development. In adults, it may lead to decreased work output and increased health risks during pregnancy, including potential maternal death.14
In some cases, the heart may compensate for the lack of oxygen by increasing its rate or enlarging. Treatment typically involves the administration of iron, which often leads to rapid improvement.32