Can I consult with a doctor on Laso MD about my iron deficiency?

Absolutely. In certain instances, a doctor on Laso MD can assist in diagnosing or managing your iron deficiency, offering advice, prescribing necessary medications, ordering lab tests, and recommending a suitable treatment plan through online consultations.

If the doctor suspects a more serious issue, they may advise you to visit a clinic for a comprehensive physical examination.

 

Can I receive a prescription on Laso MD?

Certainly, our physicians on Laso MD are authorized to prescribe medications through online consultations. Once you accept a prescription, you can conveniently pick it up from any pharmacy or opt to have it delivered to your door at no extra cost.

 

What is iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is a prevalent form of anemia, a condition characterized by insufficient healthy red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

This type of anemia results from a deficiency of iron in both your body and diet.

 

Is anemia the same as iron deficiency?

Iron deficiency constitutes a specific type of anemia. Anemia, a broader condition, occurs when there’s an insufficient quantity of healthy red blood cells to facilitate oxygen transport in the body, and it can stem from various causes.

 

Can iron deficiency exist without anemia?

Indeed, it is possible to experience iron deficiency without concomitant anemia, occurring when iron levels in the blood decrease. This scenario is actually more common than iron deficiency anemia.

 

What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Symptoms associated with iron deficiency anemia include:

• Extreme fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Chest pain, rapid heartbeat, or shortness of breath
• Cold hands and feet
• Sore or inflamed tongue
• Brittle nails
• Cravings for non-food substances like dirt, ice, or starch
• Poor appetite

 

What causes iron deficiency anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia arises when the body lacks sufficient iron to produce hemoglobin, the component responsible for coloring red blood cells and facilitating oxygen transport. Causes include:

• Blood loss: Heavy menstrual flows, peptic ulcers, hiatal hernia, colorectal cancer, or other conditions leading to chronic blood loss.
• Low-iron diet: Inadequate consumption of iron-rich foods, including meat, eggs, leafy greens, and fortified foods.
• Inability to absorb iron: Intestinal disorders such as celiac disease, hindering nutrient absorption and causing iron deficiency anemia.
• Pregnancy: Increased blood volume during pregnancy, coupled with the role of the mother’s blood as a source of hemoglobin for the fetus, can dilute maternal iron stores.

 

How can I treat iron deficiency & iron deficiency anemia?

The initial step in iron deficiency treatment involves iron supplements, ideally taken on an empty stomach with vitamin C to enhance absorption.

Consuming iron-rich foods, such as beef, pork, poultry, seafood, beans, dark leafy vegetables, peas, dried fruit, and iron-fortified foods, alongside vitamin C-rich foods, is also recommended.

Additionally, your doctor will address the underlying cause of iron deficiency, particularly if supplements prove ineffective. Treating the root cause, such as employing medications for peptic ulcers or surgical interventions for bleeding tumors or polyps, may be necessary.

Severe cases may require blood transfusions or intravenous iron supplementation.

 

What is Laso MD?

At Laso MD, you can swiftly engage with a doctor to discuss your symptoms.

We offer a healthcare app providing convenient 24/7 access to Canadian doctors.

Simply log in, request a consultation, and we’ll promptly connect you to a doctor through live chat or video.

Explore our How it Works page for more details.

Our doctors can assess symptoms and provide treatment, including necessary prescriptions.