What is anaemia or iron deficiency? 

This is a condition patients suffer from when they have low levels of red blood cells. These cells are responsible for the transportation of oxygen in the body. When you suffer from anaemia, therefore, your body is not receiving all the oxygen it requires.

What is the main cause of anaemia?

 
Here, the most common cause is the lack of iron in the body. This, in turn, can be caused either through the loss of blood, because your body is unable to absorb iron from food or because you don’t get the requisite amount of iron through your diet.

The most common symptoms experienced by patients are fatigue and headaches

How is anaemia treated? 

To confirm a diagnosis of anaemia, your doctor will ask you to take a blood test, usually after a full blood count.

Thereafter, your doctor will try to determine what is causing your anaemia. In many cases, this is usually due to heavy bleeding, resulting from heavy periods, stomach ulcers, or other bowel conditions.

The standard course of treatment is through iron pills or injections, and in certain cases, blood transfusions.

What are the side effects of this medication? 

Common side effects include:

• Upset stomach
• Constipation

If these symptoms persist, consult your doctor on what to do. Unless these side effects are severe, you must not discontinue taking your iron pills.