Do you always feel tired and lifeless? Do you fall down even after doing a little work? Do you sometimes feel dizzy ? Even if you think that these are just normal fatigue, perhaps the reason for this may be a decrease in the level of iron in your body, or as we call it, anemia . At times like this, a doctor will give you iron tablets to drink. But for some people, iron tablets alone cannot solve this problem. One very effective treatment method used in such cases is this 'Iron infusion '. Today, we will talk about this simply, in a way that you can understand.
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Simply put, what is this Iron Infusion?
Iron is an essential mineral for our body. Because iron is essential for making hemoglobin, which is found in our red blood cells. This hemoglobin is what carries oxygen to every organ and tissue in our body. So when the body lacks iron, hemoglobin production decreases, which means that oxygen is not carried throughout the body. That's why we feel tired and lethargic.
Iron infusion is a method of restoring iron levels by giving iron directly into the body through a vein, like a saline solution. This method is much faster than taking iron pills that are digested and absorbed by the body. Depending on how low your iron levels are, you may need to have this infusion more than once.
Why would a doctor recommend an iron infusion?
The main cause is iron deficiency and the resulting anemia. Iron tablets are usually given first. However, your doctor may recommend an infusion in the following cases:
- If you experience side effects such as stomach upset, bloating , or constipation when taking iron pills.
- Even if you take iron pills, your iron levels are not increasing as expected.
- If you have a digestive system disease, for example , IBD (Inflammatory Bowel Disease) or Celiac Disease , and your body is not absorbing iron from pills properly.
- Severe anemia, pregnancy, before surgery, such as for someone on dialysisIf you need to increase your iron levels quickly.
- If you have chronic kidney disease or heart failure.
- In cases where a blood transfusion is not possible due to reasons such as certain religious beliefs.
The most important thing is that only your doctor can decide whether you need an infusion or not, after examining your blood records and health condition.
What are the main benefits of an infusion?
This method has several clear advantages when compared to iron tablets.
1. Quick results: The results that would take months of taking pills can be achieved in just a few weeks with an infusion.
2. Better absorption: Since iron goes directly into the bloodstream, it is 100% absorbed by the body without any problems in the digestive system.
3. Less stomach upset: The stomach upset and nausea that come with taking the pills don't happen with this one because the iron doesn't go into the stomach.
How do you cope with an infusion? Is it something to be afraid of?
Not at all. This is a very simple procedure. It is usually done in a hospital, clinic, or specialized infusion center.
Before the infusion
Your doctor will recommend the right dose of iron based on your weight and hemoglobin level. Here are some things you should definitely tell your doctor :
- About other illnesses you have.
- About your allergies.
- Whether you have had an allergic reaction to a previous iron infusion.
- Are you pregnant?
- About all medications you take (including vitamins).
Usually, this doesn't require any special preparation. You just need to eat breakfast as usual and drink a little extra water.
When giving the infusion
A nurse or trained medical professional will select a vein in your arm or hand, clean the area, and insert a small cannula. Then, a bag containing the iron solution is connected to it. The solution is slowly infused into the vein. This usually takes between 15 and 30 minutes . Some types of iron may take longer.
After the infusion
After the infusion is finished, you will be observed for about 30 minutes to see if there are any allergic reactions. After that, you can go home. You can also resume your normal activities the same day.
You will start to feel the results in about a week or two. You will notice that your fatigue and fatigue are gradually decreasing. Your doctor will check your blood levels again in about 2-4 weeks.
Are there any side effects?
Most of the time, the side effects are very minor and go away within a day or two. But it's good to be aware of these things.
| Type of side effect | Description |
|---|---|
| Common minor ailments | Headache, dizziness, nausea, muscle aches, redness or mild pain at the site of the cannula. These usually go away within a few hours or a day. |
| Rare but serious disorders | Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction. It can cause difficulty breathing, swelling, and a drop in blood pressure. But this is extremely rare. Newer iron formulations are very safe. And the staff at the infusion site are trained to treat this type of emergency. |
| Long-term effects | Very rarely, people who receive multiple infusions may experience low blood phosphate levels. If symptoms such as fatigue and joint pain persist, see your doctor. |
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