Explain the Treatment of iron deficiency anaemia?
Oral iron is the preferred method of treatment of IDA. The dosage is decided depending on the severity of the condition. Generally, in moderate to severe anaemia, 2 tablets of fersolate (each equivalent to 100 mg of elemental iron) are given. In view of side effects like gastric irritation, constipation, black stools and at times joint pains, many patients discontinue treatment. They should, therefore, be advised to consume the tablets after food. In very severe anaemia with very low levels of haemoglobin (< 5- 7 g1100 ml), packed cell transfusion is recommended. This mode of treatment should be considered only after proper evaluation of the subject. Sometimes, parenteral iron therapy is advised when oral iron is not tolerated or in late pregnancies. In view of the risk of some systemic and allergic reactions, this should be given preferably in hospitals. We have now seen that iron deficiency anaemia is a very common problem in women and children. It thus becomes very important that we learn about different measures to prevent it.