If you have any of these symptoms and they don't go away, call your primary care doctor. If you have very low iron levels or your anemia is not responding to treatment, you may need the expertise of a hematologist.
Iron Deficiency Anemia Treatment at Rush
At Rush, we will treat your iron deficiency anemia using one or more of the following options:
• Iron supplementation: In addition to taking daily iron supplements, you may need IV treatment, if you have very low iron levels. Receiving a transfusion of red blood cells via IV can increase iron in the blood and improve your anemia right away, although it is only a short-term solution.
• Dietary adjustments, such as the following:
o More meat or seafood to help increase iron levels
o Other food sources of iron, including tofu, beans, prune juice, dried fruits, dark leafy vegetables such as spinach, and iron-fortified bread and cereal
o More vitamin C to help your body absorb more iron
• Diagnosis and treatment of underlying conditions that are causing excessive bleeding or difficulty absorbing iron, including the following:
o Medications that help heal peptic ulcers
o Surgery to remove polyps or growths in your intestines
o Management of celiac disease to help ensure iron is absorbed
Rush Excellence in Iron Deficiency Anemia Care
• Expert care based on the latest science: At Rush, hematologists who treat children and adults with benign blood disorders are also involved in clinical and laboratory research. This gives them a deep understanding of what causes anemia and how to best treat it.
• Comprehensive specialty care: A number of different medical conditions could be causing your iron-deficiency anemia, from celiac disease and ulcers to uterine fibroids that result in heavy menstrual bleeding. As a major academic health system, Rush has experienced physicians in every specialty. Your hematologist will refer you to a Rush specialist who can treat your underlying problem.
• Nutrition advice that works for you: Whether you are a vegetarian, vegan or junk food lover, our dietitians can help you design a diet that will ensure you get enough iron and other nutrients.