What are the common causes of iron deficiency anemia in men?

When we talk about men, we all think that they are full of vigor and vitality. Anemia usually occurs in women, but some men are also diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia. So, what exactly causes anemia in men?

1. Gastrointestinal bleeding

Gastrointestinal bleeding is the most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in adult men, among which hemorrhoidal bleeding is the most common. One quarter of the population suffers from hemorrhoids, and about two-thirds of them may suffer from bleeding.

The second is gastroduodenal ulcer bleeding. With the widespread use of aspirin, the incidence of gastrointestinal bleeding caused by drugs has increased.

Hiatal hernia may be accompanied by gastrointestinal bleeding, and about 15% of patients develop iron deficiency anemia. The incidence of bleeding caused by gastrointestinal diverticula or diverticulitis is about 5% to 8% and 15% to 25% respectively. Small intestinal polyps can also cause gastrointestinal bleeding, thereby inducing iron deficiency anemia.

In rural areas, hookworm infection is an important cause of chronic gastrointestinal bleeding. Rupture and bleeding of esophageal or gastric varicose veins and bleeding of gastric mucosal lesions are also common causes of chronic gastrointestinal blood loss.

2. Tumor

Iron deficiency anemia is often the first manifestation of gastrointestinal tumors. Cecal cancer is often discovered through examination due to anemia. Ascending colon cancer, gastric cancer and abdominal cancer can all be first manifested by iron deficiency anemia.

Therefore, men must be highly vigilant when they have anemia. In addition to taking some iron-replenishing and blood-replenishing iron tablets to increase blood volume and iron storage, they should also actively look for the cause of the disease in order to discover some hidden diseases in time and treat them as soon as possible. During the blood-replenishing period, you can eat more nutritious foods and drink less strong tea and coffee.