Iron-deficiency anaemia — diagnosis and treatment in Dubai
Iron-deficiency anaemia is a low haemoglobin caused by lack of iron. It commonly causes tiredness, breathlessness on exertion, pallor and hair thinning. Diagnosis needs a full blood count and ferritin, plus a search for the underlying cause. Treatment involves iron replacement and addressing the source — often heavy periods or dietary factors.
- · Diagnosis needs FBC and ferritin, not haemoglobin alone
- · Always look for the cause — the deficiency itself is not the diagnosis
- · Heavy periods and diet are common causes in adults in Dubai
- · Unexplained iron deficiency in men or postmenopausal women warrants gastrointestinal investigation
- · Most people respond well to oral iron; some need intravenous replacement
What iron-deficiency anaemia is
Anaemia is a low haemoglobin, and iron deficiency is its commonest cause worldwide. It reduces oxygen delivery to tissues and produces a characteristic pattern of symptoms.
How common it is
Extremely common, particularly in women of reproductive age. Global prevalence is high; the UAE population is well-represented among affected groups.
Main symptoms
- · Tiredness
- · Breathlessness on exertion
- · Pallor
- · Hair thinning
- · Brittle nails
- · Reduced exercise tolerance
Less common symptoms
- · Pica (craving non-food items such as ice)
- · Sore tongue or mouth ulcers
- · Restless legs
Causes
- · Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
- · Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- · Inadequate dietary iron
- · Malabsorption (e.g. coeliac disease)
- · Gastrointestinal blood loss (ulcers, polyps, cancer)
- · Chronic inflammatory conditions
Risk factors
- · Menstruating women
- · Vegetarian or vegan diet without proper planning
- · Frequent blood donors
- · Gastric surgery or coeliac disease
Possible complications
- · Reduced quality of life and productivity
- · Worsening of heart conditions
- · Complications in pregnancy
How this condition is diagnosed
- · Full blood count showing low haemoglobin with low mean cell volume
- · Low serum ferritin (interpreted with CRP, since inflammation raises ferritin)
- · Iron studies where clarification is needed
- · Further tests to find the cause depending on age and history
Questions your doctor may ask
- · Periods: how heavy, how long?
- · Any blood loss elsewhere (stool, urine)?
- · Diet — meat, fish, iron-rich foods?
- · Any digestive symptoms or previous coeliac testing?
- · Any pregnancy history?
Examination
- · Pulse and blood pressure
- · Conjunctival pallor
- · Nail and hair examination
- · Abdominal examination
Blood tests
- · Full blood count with red-cell indices
- · Ferritin (with CRP)
- · Iron studies (serum iron, transferrin, TIBC)
- · Coeliac antibodies where appropriate
- · Vitamin B12 and folate
Urine tests
- · Urinalysis for blood where indicated
Other tests
- · Stool testing for occult blood in selected cases
When specialist referral may be needed
- · Unexplained iron deficiency in men or postmenopausal women (usually gastroenterology)
- · Persistent anaemia despite iron replacement
- · Suspected coeliac disease requiring endoscopy
- · Very heavy periods needing gynaecology assessment
Treatment
Overview
- · Address the underlying cause
- · Oral iron replacement (typically ferrous fumarate or sulphate)
- · Dietary iron sources emphasised
- · Intravenous iron in selected cases (intolerance, poor absorption or urgent need)
- · Manage heavy periods where relevant
Medicines
- · Oral iron is usually first-line
- · Every-other-day dosing may improve absorption and tolerance
- · IV iron is used when oral therapy fails or is unsuitable, under proper clinical supervision
Do not stop or change any prescribed medicine without first discussing it with your clinician.
Lifestyle support
- · Iron-rich foods: lean red meat, poultry, fish, legumes, tofu, dark leafy greens
- · Vitamin C aids absorption
- · Tea and coffee reduce absorption when taken with iron
Monitoring and follow-up
- · Repeat FBC and ferritin 8–12 weeks after starting iron
- · Continue for at least 3 months after haemoglobin normalises to rebuild stores
Prevention and risk reduction
- · Address heavy periods early
- · Balanced diet including iron sources
- · Screen at-risk women in pregnancy
When to seek urgent help
- · Very severe anaemia with dizziness, breathlessness or chest pain — attend A&E
- · Passing black or bloody stools
- · Any suggestion of major blood loss
Dubai emergency services: 998. Attend the nearest emergency department for red flags.
How Aafiyah can help
Your options
- · FBC, ferritin and iron studies with same-day results where possible
- · Cause investigation
- · Personalised oral iron plans
- · Coordinated referral for endoscopy or gynaecology where indicated
When a GP appointment is right
- · Persistent tiredness with heavy periods or dietary risk factors
- · Known iron deficiency needing review
When a home doctor visit may suit
- · Nurse-led home blood testing is appropriate when clinic attendance is difficult
Related pages
Related symptoms
Related tests
Related conditions
Frequently asked questions
Is a normal haemoglobin enough to rule out iron deficiency?+
No. Iron stores can be low before haemoglobin drops. Ferritin is the more sensitive marker.
How long do I need to take iron?+
Usually for several months after haemoglobin normalises, to rebuild iron stores. The exact plan depends on the cause.
References
- · BSG Guidelines: Iron deficiency anaemia in adults
- · WHO — Iron deficiency anaemia guidance
- · NICE CKS: Anaemia — iron deficiency
Medically reviewed by Dr Shahbaz Afzal, MBBS MRCGP — British-trained Family Medicine Consultant, Aafiyah Care Clinic.
Reviewed 2026-07-01. Next review due 2027-01-01.
This page is general information for adults living in or visiting Dubai. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a personal medical consultation. Do not stop or change prescribed treatment without medical advice.
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