Specialist highlights overlooked symptoms of iron deficiency, stressing early diagnosis and treatment can significantly improve quality of life.
Internal Medicine Specialist Sevda Yılmaz stated that common complaints such as fatigue, palpitations, shortness of breath, and lack of concentration may be linked to iron deficiency anemia.
Speaking from Medipol University Vatan Clinic, Yılmaz emphasized that iron deficiency is widespread yet frequently detected late. She noted that many patients tend to attribute symptoms to stress or daily workload, although the underlying cause is often a treatable deficiency.
BODY FAILS TO GET ENOUGH OXYGEN
Highlighting the vital role of iron in the body, Yılmaz said it is essential for transporting oxygen to tissues. When levels are low, the body cannot oxygenate effectively, leading to a significant decline in quality of life. She listed fatigue, rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, attention problems, and quick exhaustion among the most common symptoms.
MORE PREVALENT IN WOMEN
Yılmaz pointed out that iron deficiency is particularly common among women, often due to heavy or irregular menstrual bleeding. She stressed the importance of combined evaluation with gynecological examinations in such cases. In some patients, hidden gastrointestinal blood loss may also be responsible, requiring further diagnostic procedures to identify the root cause.
EASY TO DIAGNOSE, POSSIBLE TO TREAT
According to Yılmaz, diagnosing iron deficiency anemia is relatively straightforward, as serum and storage iron levels can be measured through simple blood tests. However, she underlined that treatment should not only focus on supplementation but also on identifying the underlying reason for the deficiency.
She added that while some patients respond well to oral iron therapy, others may require intravenous treatment. With proper diagnosis and management, both energy levels and overall quality of life can improve significantly. Yılmaz noted that many patients report realizing only after treatment how long they had lived with unnecessary fatigue, urging individuals experiencing persistent tiredness to seek medical evaluation.