Iron-deficiency anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for iron-deficiency a nemia may include additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures. Anemia is a common blood disorder, which is caused when there is a drop in hemoglobin or hematocrit in the blood. Hemoglobin is the part of blood that distributes oxygen from the lungs to tissues in the body. Hematocrit is the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells found in a specific volume of blood.
Anemia is usually a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself.
Anemia may be a symptom of another disease. The following are the most common symptoms for anemia, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Because anemia is often a symptom associated with another disease, it is important for a physician to be aware of symptoms of anemia. Consult your physician for a diagnosis. This information is not intended to be a substitute for individual medical advice in diagnosing or treating a health problem.