Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA)

Iron-deficiency anemia is anemia caused by a lack of iron. Anemia is defined as a decrease in the number of red blood cells or the amount of hemoglobin in the blood. When anemia comes on slowly, the symptoms are often vague and may include feeling tired, weakness, shortness of breath or poor ability to exercise. Anemia that comes on quickly often has greater symptoms which may include: confusion, feeling like one is going to pass out, and increased thirst.  There may be additional symptoms depending on the underlying cause. It is caused by insufficient dietary intake and absorption of iron, or iron loss from bleeding.