The Oaks Hospital · Colchester, Essex
Iron-Deficiency Anaemia Investigation in Colchester
Unexplained iron-deficiency anaemia in adults should always have its cause found. Dr Thines Karunakaran offers rapid consultant-led assessment, gastroscopy and colonoscopy at The Oaks Hospital in Colchester.
Dr Thines Karunakaran
Consultant Gastroenterologist
When to seek assessment
You should have specialist assessment if you have:
- A blood test showing iron deficiency or low ferritin
- Anaemia that keeps coming back despite iron tablets
- Tiredness, breathlessness or palpitations with low iron
- Anaemia alongside a change in bowel habit or rectal bleeding
- Anaemia with indigestion, swallowing difficulty or weight loss
- A family history of bowel cancer or coeliac disease
Why finding the cause matters
Most causes of iron deficiency are benign and treatable, but it can occasionally be the first sign of an upper or lower GI cancer. Prompt private investigation is often the fastest route to a clear answer — and most patients are reassured.
What happens at your appointment
Dr Karunakaran will review your blood results, history and medication, and usually recommend a gastroscopy and colonoscopy, often in a single visit, with coeliac testing and biopsies where needed. Findings are explained on the day; biopsy results can take a few weeks to come back.
Treatment
Treatment targets the underlying cause — for example a gluten-free diet for coeliac disease, healing of ulcers, or removal of polyps during colonoscopy — alongside restoring your iron levels with tablets or an infusion.
Insured and self-pay
Recognised by insurers including Bupa (Fee Assured), AXA Health, Aviva, Vitality, WPA, Healix, Allianz, Aetna International, The Exeter and Benenden Health. Self-pay patients are welcome — consultations are £215 and follow-ups £150, with endoscopy quoted separately in advance.
Anaemia investigation FAQs
Why does iron-deficiency anaemia need investigating?+
In adults, iron deficiency is most often caused by slow blood loss from the gut or poor absorption of iron. Finding the cause matters — it is usually benign, but it can occasionally be the first sign of a stomach or bowel cancer, so it should be properly investigated rather than just treated with iron tablets.
What tests are usually needed?+
Most people need a gastroscopy and a colonoscopy, often done together in one visit, plus blood tests including a check for coeliac disease. Occasionally further tests such as capsule endoscopy are arranged.
What are the common causes?+
Coeliac disease, stomach inflammation or ulcers (sometimes related to anti-inflammatory medication), polyps, angiodysplasia (small abnormal blood vessels), inflammation of the bowel and, less commonly, cancer of the stomach or bowel.
Should I keep taking iron tablets?+
Usually yes — iron replacement can safely continue while you are investigated. Dr Karunakaran will advise on the best form of iron and whether an infusion is worthwhile.
Further information
Get your anaemia investigated
GP referrals and self-referrals welcome · Rapid appointments at The Oaks Hospital, Colchester.