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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Could persistent iron-deficiency anaemia signal hidden bleeding, and how will Dr Rasouli investigate?

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  • Dr Rasouli is a fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Physicians. Certified by GESA in diagnostic and therapeutic adult gastroscopy, sigmoidoscopy and colonoscopy, Dr … View Profile

    In adults, especially men and post-menopausal women, falling iron often suggests an internal bleed. Dr Rasouli begins with gastroscopy and colonoscopy. If nothing surfaces, a painless capsule camera surveys the small bowel. Coeliac blood tests and, in menstruating women, a gynaecological review rule out other culprits. Once the source is treated, iron stores usually rebound within three months. Your GP can re-check ferritin at 8 to 12 weeks. Keep a quick note on your phone of stool colour, energy, and any breathlessness. These details help guide follow-up. Call us on 1300 271 828 if you have any questions.

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