question-icon

Reason For Becoming Iron Deficient. Is Blood Transfusions Only Option?

default
Posted on Mon, 11 Nov 2013
Question: Why am I continually becoming iron deficient. I have had every test done with no results. It seems that blood transfusions seem the only answer. Is that so?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shoaib Khan (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
In your specific case, transfusion is only option

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I understand your frustration, which is why I shall start by first listing the possible causes in your particular case for the persistent iron deficiency anemia, they are:
-Lack of iron in your diet
-Inability to absorb iron: Eg. in patients with a part of the small intestine removed (which could be the cause in your case)

Treatment usually targets treating the cause, and then correction with either supplements (tablets; takes more time to be corrected) or transfusions (less time to get corrected). But as yours is one that is permanent, despite being prescribed iron supplements immediately after the surgery (if this was the case), it wouldn't have helped as it would not have been absorbed into your blood stream. So in your specific case, I am sorry to say but blood transfusions are the only option of treatment ma'am.

I hope you found my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications ma'am, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Shoaib Khan

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 9409 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Reason For Becoming Iron Deficient. Is Blood Transfusions Only Option?

Brief Answer:
In your specific case, transfusion is only option

Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.

Thank you for writing to us.

I understand your frustration, which is why I shall start by first listing the possible causes in your particular case for the persistent iron deficiency anemia, they are:
-Lack of iron in your diet
-Inability to absorb iron: Eg. in patients with a part of the small intestine removed (which could be the cause in your case)

Treatment usually targets treating the cause, and then correction with either supplements (tablets; takes more time to be corrected) or transfusions (less time to get corrected). But as yours is one that is permanent, despite being prescribed iron supplements immediately after the surgery (if this was the case), it wouldn't have helped as it would not have been absorbed into your blood stream. So in your specific case, I am sorry to say but blood transfusions are the only option of treatment ma'am.

I hope you found my response helpful and informative. Please feel free to write back to me for any further clarifications ma'am, I would be more than happy to help.

Best wishes.