When there is a lack of iron in the blood, or an amount that is not enough to keep up with the body, this is a condition that is known as Iron Deficiency Anemia. This condition is common, but it can lead to negative health effects that can decrease the quality of life and cause a variety of other harmful problems. However, with IV Therapy, iron deficiency anemia can be easily treated and even prevented in certain cases.
What is Iron Deficiency Anemia?
Iron deficiency anemia is a medical condition that occurs when there is not enough iron in the blood, making it difficult to produce sufficient hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that is responsible for carrying oxygen. Without sufficient hemoglobin, the body is deprived of oxygen. This results in tiredness, weakness, shortness of breath, paleness, and dizziness. Iron deficiency anemia can occur for a multitude of reasons: not consuming enough iron in food, loss of blood, poor absorption of iron, or a need for more iron, such as during pregnancy. Mild cases of Iron deficiency anemia require treatment using oral iron supplements and dietary changes. However, more severe cases may require intravenous (IV) therapy to elevate iron levels and reduce any symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia.
What is IV Iron Therapy?
IV iron treatment is a procedure that delivers iron intravenously straight to the bloodstream via infusion. The process bypasses the digestive system, making it a better option for patients that cannot use oral iron supplements or patients that suffer from such conditions as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or gastric bypass surgery that may cause issues with iron absorption.
IV iron treatment is a quick, easy, and efficient method of adding iron, elevating hemoglobin, and reducing iron deficiency anemia symptoms, making patients feel more energetic and better in general.
Who Can Benefit From IV Iron Therapy?
IV iron treatment is recommended for patients that suffer from:
- Severe iron deficiency anemia that is not able to be treated using oral supplements
- Gastrointestinal disease that prevents iron absorption
- Chronic kidney disease that requires dialysis
- Loss of blood during or after surgery or after having a baby
- Heavy uterine bleeding that results in chronic anemia
- Anemia caused by cancer
- Issues using oral iron supplements due to side effects such as nausea, constipation, or abdominal pain
Advantages of IV Iron Therapy
There are a number of benefits of using IV iron compared to using oral supplements:
Faster Iron Replacement
Enters blood immediately, resulting in a quick increase in iron and hemoglobin levels.
Improved Rate of Absorption
IV iron therapy is beneficial because it skips the stomach, which means that there is no problem of absorption, which is a relief to patients suffering from anemia due to digestive issues.
Lower Gastrointestinal Side Effects
IV iron won’t give patients constipation, nausea, or stomachaches that would be caused by oral iron supplements.
Lower Doses
Some IV irons treat anemia using one or two injections, as opposed to oral supplements.
Improved Quality of Life
Quick relief of symptoms allows patients to feel more energetic, think better, and feel better overall.
What to Expect From IV Iron Therapy
IV iron treatment is administered in a health facility such as a clinic, infusion suite, or doctor’s office. The process is relatively simple and is typically one in the following steps:
Pre-Treatment Testing
The health professional does a bit of blood work to check iron counts and determine the proper dosage to be given.
IV Infusion
The iron is administered via a small tube that is inserted into a vein, typically in the arm. The infusion is done anywhere in the range of 15 minutes to a few hours, depending on the product administered and dosage required.
Observation Period
The patients are monitored for any adverse reaction during and after infusion.
Follow-Up Care
Further doses can be scheduled depending on the severity of anemia and response to treatment.
Monitoring and Long-Term Management
Following IV treatment, blood is monitored periodically to check in on the patient’s iron status, response to hemoglobin, and treatment response. The patients also need to:
- Consume foods that are high in iron, such as lean meat, green leafy foods, legumes, and fortified cereals.
- Address underlying conditions that lead to low iron, such as stomach ailments or heavy periods.
- Attend regular check-up sessions to avert a return of anemia.
If you are suffering from iron deficiency anemia and would like to learn more about IV therapy to treat it, call the office of Nenergy Boost today at 424-485-0626 and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have and get you set up with an appointment.