Clinical Nutrition

Lesson 7: Anemia

Clinical Features

• The structure and function of epithelial cells is affected by iron deficiency anemia.
• The tongue, mouth, stomach and nails are affected. The skin becomes pale and the inside of lower eyelid is also pale Finger nails became thin and flat and koilonychia develops (spoon shaped nails). Achlorhydria is also seen.
• There is atrophy of the lingual papillae and the tongue look smooth and waxy. Angular stomatitis and dysphagia may be present.
• Lassitude, fatigue, breathlessness on exertion, palpitations, dizziness, headache, insomnia are some common features.