ANEMIA RELATED TO EXERCISE |
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General Information
DEFINITION--A decreased number of circulating red blood cells, or insufficient hemoglobin in the cells, caused from participation in exercise. Anemia is also a symptom of other disorders, and may interfere with athletic performance. For proper treatment, the cause must be found.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS SIGNS OF PRONOUNCED ANEMIA:
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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.
CAUSES & RISK FACTORS
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.
HOW TO PREVENTMaintain an adequate iron intake by eating a well-balanced diet or taking iron supplements.
WHAT TO EXPECT
DIAGNOSTIC MEASURES
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and exam by a doctor.
Laboratory blood studies every 2 months while involved in vigorous physical activity. Tests should include studies of hematocrit (See Glossary), hemoglobin and red-blood-cell counts.
X-rays of the gastrointestinal tract.
SURGERYNecessary only if the underlying cause, such as a tumor, requires surgery.
NORMAL COURSE OF ILLNESSUsually curable with iron supplements if the underlying cause can be identified and treated. Unless anemia is severe, you may continue training and vigorous physical activity while under treatment with iron supplements for anemia.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Failure to diagnose a bleeding malignancy.
Without treatment, increasing weakness and eventual congestive heart failure.
HOW TO TREAT
NOTE -- Follow your doctor's instructions. These instructions are supplemental.
MEDICAL TREATMENTSee your doctor to identify and treat the underlying cause.
HOME TREATMENTNone except to take iron supplements.
MEDICATIONYour 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.
ACTIVITYNo restrictions unless exercise- induced anemia is severe. Then reduce activity level slightly while undergoing treatment and continue at a slower pace until iron levels are back to normal.
DIET
Limit milk to 1 pint a day. It interferes with iron absorption.
Eat protein foods and iron-containing foods, including meat, beans and leafy green vegetables.
Increase dietary fiber to prevent constipation (a common side effect of iron supplements).
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
You have symptoms of anemia.
Nausea, vomiting, severe diarrhea or constipation occur during treatment.
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