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Anemia Related To Exercise

Causes

• Participation in exercise such as prolonged, walking, running or cross- country skiing. The forces exerted on the red blood cells in the capillaries of the feet may rupture the blood cells and lead to anemia.
• Other heavy physical exercise and exertion.
• Heavy menstrual bleeding.
• Pregnancy.
• Malabsorption of iron from food.
• Profuse sweating.
• Age over 60.
• Recent illness with bleeding, such as an ulcer, diverticulitis, colitis, hemorrhoids or gastrointestinal tumor.

Signs and symptoms

Sign of pronounced anemia:

• Decreased performance in maximum-effort activities.
• Tiredness and weakness.
• Paleness, especially in the hands and lining of the lower eyelids.

Less common signs:

• Tongue Inflammation.
• Fainting.
• Breathlessness.
• Excessively rapid heartbeat with exercise.
• Appetite loss.

Diagnosis

• Your own observation of symptoms.
• Medical history and exam by a doctor.
• Laboratory blood studies every 2 months while involved in vigorous physical activity. Test should include studies of hemoglobin (see, Glossary), hemoglobin and red-blood-cell counts.
• X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment

Your doctor may prescribe iron supplements:

• Take iron on an empty stomach (at least 1/2 hour before meals) for best absorption. If it upsets your stomach, you may take it with a small amount of food (except milk).
• If you take other medications, wait at least 2 hours after taking iron before taking them. Antacids and tetracycline especially interfere with iron absorption.
• Continue iron supplements until 2 to 3 months after blood tests return to normal.
• Too much iron is dangerous. A bottle of iron tablets can poison a child. Keep iron supplements out of the reach of children.

Prevention

• Maintain an adequate iron intake by eating a well-balanced diet or taking iron supplements.