Question 1

can alcohol abuse cause iron deficiency ? thank you

Accepted Answer

Possibly: alcohol itself can be toxic to bone marrow (where blood is made), but also can lead to blood loss from ulcers and varices (dilated veins) in the gut, leading to further or acute anemia, and poor diet often associated with alcohol abuse can worsen anemia. If with liver damage, can make factors in blood responsible for stopping bleeding become ineffective. Happy to consult but key is abstinence.

Question 2

what problems can be caused by iron deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: Iron is critical to making hemoglobin. Iron deficiency cause anemia. If it is low, it can be due to several causes and should be investigated carefully. See your doc right away if you think you are low in iron and/or anemic.

Question 3

can men get iron deficiency and what could cause that..?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Blood loss, most commonly from the gut.  Malabsorption.  Frequent blood donations.  Hope this helps.

Question 4

are there other things that cause anemia besides iron-deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Chronic diseases: Such as sickle cell, thalassemia, , GI bleed, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, renal disease can also cause anemia. Prenicious anemia (due to autoimmune destruction of special stomach cells), folate (folic acid) and B12 deficiencies are other causes. Talk with your docotr if special testing is required to determine etiology of anemia and if colonoscopy is required.

Question 5

what causes iron deficiency anemia?

Accepted Answer

Low Iron: In women of reproductive age, one of the most common causes of iron deficiency is heavy periods.  There are other causes.  Blood loss, acute or chronic, can cause it as well.  To determine the cause, see a doctor for evaluation and appropriate testing and treatment.

Question 6

could iron deficiency cause shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Iron deficiency causes anemia or low red blood cell counts.  Red blood cells carry oxygen so lower numbers can result in shortness of breath.

Question 7

can an iron deficiency cause dark circles under your eyes?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely cause: Iron deficiency can cause anemia and drowsiness. There may be the appearance of dark circles if fluid accumulates around the eyelids. Treating the deficiency may not improve the circles, however. And circles around the eyes are not an indicator of whether someone has anemia.

Question 8

could having a cold cause anemia / iron deficiency to get worse?

Accepted Answer

No it will not: Not cold can not make iron deficiency anemia worse.

Question 9

is is possible for an iron deficiency to cause shortness of breath?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Iron deficincy means low hemoglobin level which menifests as weakness and shortness of breath on mild exertion becaause you can not have enough oxygen in the body withour normal hemoglobion level.

Question 10

what are the causes of iron deficiency anemia if i am eating plenty of iron?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency: Bleeding, cancer, bone marrow diseases, heavy menses, poor absorbtion etc...

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Doctor answers about:

Can laxative abuse cause an iron deficiency

A member asked:

Can alcohol abuse cause iron deficiency ? thank you

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What problems can be caused by iron deficiency?

A member asked:

Can men get iron deficiency and what could cause that..?

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Are there other things that cause anemia besides iron-deficiency?

A member asked:

What causes iron deficiency anemia?

A member asked:

Could iron deficiency cause shortness of breath?

A member asked:

Can an iron deficiency cause dark circles under your eyes?

A member asked:

Could having a cold cause anemia / iron deficiency to get worse?

A member asked:

Is is possible for an iron deficiency to cause shortness of breath?

A member asked:

What are the causes of iron deficiency anemia if i am eating plenty of iron?

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