Understanding Iron Deficiency Anemia (IDA) - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment options

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body lacks enough iron to produce healthy red blood cells. Women of childbearing age, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for iron deficiency anemia. Iron deficiency anemia can cause extreme tiredness, weakness, dizziness, shortness of breath, and pale skin. People with iron deficiency anemia, especially children and pregnant women, may develop pica, a condition where they crave non-food items like dirt or ice. Iron deficiency anemia is typically treated with a diet rich in iron, iron supplements, or, in some cases, iron infusions or blood transfusions.