Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
Iron deficiency happens when your body doesn-t have enough iron. Iron helps make red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Without it, you may feel tired, weak, or dizzy. In Houston, Dr. Rishi Chadha and the team at GastroDoxs offer answers, support, and treatment.
He reviews your full health history, dietary habits, menstrual or GI bleeding risks, and performs a targeted physical exam.
He orders labs to measure hemoglobin, hematocrit and ferritin levels to confirm iron deficiency.
He applies the appropriate code (eg, D50.9) to accurately document your diagnosis and guide treatment.
Dr. Rishi Chadha, MD is a board‑certified gastroenterologist who specializes in preventive gastroenterology, colorectal cancer screening, and minimally invasive endoscopic procedures. He completed his fellowship at Sunrise Health GME in Las Vegas and previously trained in internal medicine at St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Connecticut.
D50.9 is the general code. Other codes (D50.0-D50.8) specify particular causes like nutritional deficiency or chronic blood loss.
Many patients begin to feel better within 2 to 4 weeks. Achieving full iron stores and symptom resolution can take several months of consistent therapy.
A diet rich in heme iron (meats) and non-heme iron (beans, spinach) plus vitamin C may correct mild deficiencies. More severe cases often require supplemental iron.
Yes. Common issues include stomach upset and constipation. Taking supplements with food or switching formulations can improve tolerability.
Besides fatigue and pallor, watch for brittle or spoon-shaped nails, restless legs at night, ice cravings (pagophagia), hair loss, and mouth cracks.
Absolutely. Pregnancy increases iron demands. Untreated deficiency can worsen fatigue, dizziness, and shortness of breath and affect both mother and baby.
Diagnosis relies on blood tests measuring hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum ferritin, and sometimes transferrin saturation to confirm low iron stores.
IV iron is recommended if oral supplements are poorly tolerated, absorption is impaired, or levels are critically low requiring rapid correction.
Avoid tea, coffee, and calcium-rich foods during iron-rich meals, as they can inhibit iron absorption. Pair iron foods with vitamin C sources instead.
Heat itself doesn-t lower iron, but high temperatures can exacerbate fatigue in iron-deficient individuals, making symptoms feel worse.
