DIAGNOSING & TREATING
IRON DEFICIENCY
IN A COMFORTABLE AND ACCESSIBLE ENVIRONMENT
Iron Deficiency
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition caused by low iron levels. If you have iron deficiency, the red blood cells in your blood lack a sufficient amount of haemoglobin, a substance which is crucial for carrying oxygen throughout your body. This commonly results in tiredness and fatigue.
What causes iron deficiency?
Although iron deficiency can occur as a result of inadequate dietary intake, it can also occur from poor absorption of iron, or from low-grade gastrointestinal bleeding.
People who are at the most risk of developing iron deficiency include females of menstruating age, and those on a vegetarian or vegan diet.
Although iron deficiency can usually be treated successfully with iron replacement, endoscopic assessment is usually required to check for any gastrointestinal cause of blood loss or iron malabsorption. Occasionally, iron deficiency can be an early sign of a sinister diagnosis such as stomach or bowel cancer.
Diagnosis and treatment
Iron deficiency can be easily diagnosed on blood testing. A gastroscopy and colonoscopy can then be performed to exclude a gastrointestinal cause. We can also usually administer an iron infusion during your same hospital admission.
The doctors at Glengarry Gastroenterology are experienced and proficient endoscopists who can accurately evaluate your iron deficiency with our no-gap direct access endoscopic service. Please contact us to arrange an appointment with our friendly staff.