Iron deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and the leading cause of anemia. While inadequate dietary intake and blood loss from menstruation are common causes in women, iron deficiency in men and postmenopausal women almost always requires a gastrointestinal evaluation to identify occult (hidden) bleeding or malabsorption.
GI Causes of Iron Deficiency Anemia
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Colorectal cancer or polyps — silent GI bleeding is a common early sign
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Peptic ulcer disease — H. pylori-associated or NSAID-induced ulcers
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Celiac disease — impaired iron absorption in the damaged small intestine
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Esophagitis and GERD — chronic esophageal inflammation can cause slow bleeding
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Angiodysplasia — abnormal blood vessels in the colon or small bowel
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Inflammatory bowel disease — chronic intestinal inflammation
GI Workup for Iron Deficiency Anemia
In adult men and postmenopausal women, iron deficiency anemia is presumed to have a GI cause until proven otherwise. Standard evaluation includes upper endoscopy (EGD) to examine the stomach and duodenum, colonoscopy to evaluate the colon, and celiac serologic testing. In some patients where upper and lower endoscopy are unrevealing, capsule endoscopy to evaluate the small bowel may be recommended.
Book a GI Evaluation for Anemia in NJ — Call (908) 851-2770 or Schedule Online