Flashcards on Iron Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms and Effects
Iron Deficiency Anemia: Symptoms & Effects Explained
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Iron Deficiency and Anemia
17 cards
Card 1
Question: What is the most common subjective symptom of iron deficiency anemia, and why does it occur?
Answer: Fatigue; it occurs due to reduced oxygen delivery caused by low hemoglobin levels.
Card 2
Question: Why can anemia cause impaired concentration?
Answer: Reduced oxygen supply to the brain and overall fatigue lead to difficulties with thinking and focusing.
Card 3
Question: What is pica, and with which type of anemia is it associated?
Answer: Pica refers to cravings for non-food items (e.g., dirt, paper); it is associated with iron deficiency anemia.
Card 4
Question: What is pagophagia?
Answer: Pagophagia is a specific form of pica—a craving for and consumption of ice; it can occur with iron deficiency.
Card 5
Question: What is the name of the nail deformity typical for iron deficiency, and what does it describe?
Answer: Koilonychia (spooning) – the nails are concave, shaped like a spoon, and often brittle.
Card 6
Question: When does skin pallor typically become visible in anemia (approximate Hb level)?
Answer: Pallor is usually evident when hemoglobin is <70–80 g/L.
Card 7
Question: What is conjunctival pallor, and at what hemoglobin level is it often observed?
Answer: Pallor of the conjunctival sac of the eye's lining when the lower eyelid is pulled down; it is often observed at Hb <80 g/L.
Card 8
Question: Why does anemia cause weakness and presyncope or syncope?
Answer: Reduced blood and oxygen supply to the brain leads to dizziness, a feeling of faintness (presyncope), or actual fainting (syncope).
Card 9
Question: Why do dyspnea and resting tachycardia occur in anemia?
Answer: Dyspnea occurs because tissues receive less oxygen; resting tachycardia is a compensatory mechanism that increases cardiac output when oxygen delivery
Card 10
Question: How can anemia lead to angina pectoris?
Answer: Very low hemoglobin causes demand ischemia – the heart doesn't receive enough oxygen, which triggers anginal pain.