Treatment Methods For An Iron Deficiency

Blood Transfusion

Blood transfusions are a last resort and are generally only offered if other more conservative treatments have failed. They are often essential for patients with chest pain and other severe complications from low iron levels. Several different blood products are available for transfusion. Iron-deficient patients receive transfusions of red blood cells. Before their transfusion, patients have a blood test to determine their blood type so a compatible transfusion can be obtained. Transfusions are given with an IV placed in the arm and can take between one to four hours to complete.

Throughout the transfusion, nurses will periodically check the patient's heart rate, blood pressure, and temperature. Although rare, potential side effects that may occur during a transfusion include fever, chills, a sense of uneasiness, shortness of breath, pain in the back or chest, and itching, all of which should be reported to medical staff immediately. Following the transfusion, a bruise may form at the IV site and remain for a few days. Patients should watch for any shortness of breath or chest and back pain in the week after the transfusion and report these to their doctor.