Iron deficiency anemia is a straithforward diagnosis. Its anemia due to low levels of iron in your bloodsystem. The diagnosis is established by evaluating through lab tests Red blood cell size and color. Determining the Hematocrit and Hemoglobin are the most common tests used by your doctor because they are simple, fast and cheap to measure. The interpretation is fast and reliable. A more sophisticated lab test is the measurement of the amount of ferritin in your body. Ferritin is a protein that helps store iron in your body. and a low level of ferritin indicates a low level of stored iron. Additional diagnoses methods used to determine anemia are Endoscopy, Colonoscopy and Ultrasound. Those methods are not done in premiere instances. Instead they are used after simpler tests are done and treatments are successful so doctors look for more in depth causes. In all cases the treatment is using iron supplements and if there are other underlying causes additional medications may be used. In his more common presentation the tablet is prescribed via oral on an empty stomach. However, that presentation in the form of tablets may upset your stomach. You may swallow it after a meal but please avoid taking it with antacid. Vitamin c may be added to the regimen to improve absorption. In severe cases of anemia blood transfusion may be the preferred solution. Hypercholesterolemia and anemia generally are not associated except in pernicious anemia a case of chronic anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Some studies have suggested iron deficiency anemia can lead to high cholesterol because Iron is involved in the metabolism of cholesterol. Hypercholesterolemia and anemia should be investigated in patients with cardiovascular disease because managing both conditions is crucial in patients overall health.. In some cases low cholesterol levels can be associated with anemia. The bloating of the face should be considered as a consequence of the severity of the anemia. With anemia there is reduced level of oxygen delivery and the body can retain fluid leading to edema of the face. Sickle cell anemias are more likely to cause facial swelling than other types. Very interesting case. I hope I have helped you clarify some doubts in your mothers condition. As Usual please consult with your doctor and or an hematologist to elucidate your mothers condition. Yves M Jean Joseph, MD

Its possible that meds for cholesterol or iron can cause bloating. Iron deficiency can also be treated with injections or dietary changes like eating more dark green leafy veggies. Cholesterol meds like statins can also cause side effects including bloating. Stopping the new medications until your mom consults with her physician or provider is wise. Here is what AI says which seeks very complete. Yes, both certain medications for iron deficiency and high cholesterol can potentially cause bloating as a side effect. Here's a brief overview: Medications for Iron Deficiency 1. Iron Supplements: Oral iron supplements, such as ferrous sulfate or ferrous gluconate, are commonly used to treat iron deficiency. They can lead to gastrointestinal issues, including: - Bloating - Nausea - Constipation - Diarrhea - Abdominal discomfort Medications for High Cholesterol 1. Statins: Commonly prescribed statins e.g., atorvastatin, simvastatin may cause gastrointestinal side effects in some patients, including bloating, but these effects are less common. 2. Bile Acid Sequestrants: Medications like cholestyramine and colesevelam can lead to bloating and gastrointestinal discomfort due to their mechanism of action in the intestines. 3. Fibrates: Medications such as fenofibrate and gemfibrozil can also cause gastrointestinal side effects, including bloating. 4. Niacin: High doses of niacin used to manage cholesterol can cause flushing and gastrointestinal issues, including bloating. Other Factors - Dietary Changes: If patients adjust their diets to include more iron-rich foods or heart-healthy options, this change can also contribute to bloating, particularly if high-fiber foods are included. - Individual Sensitivity: Not everyone will experience bloating with these medications; sensitivity to side effects can vary based on the individual. If you are experiencing significant bloating or discomfort while taking either iron or cholesterol-lowering medications, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They may suggest alternative treatments, adjustments in dosage, or dietary modifications to alleviate these side effects. Kevin Sherin MD c-407-325-0433