Serum Iron Level and Recurrent Upper Airway Infections

Abstract

In this study, we investigated the relationship between frequent upper airway infections and serum iron, ferritin levels and iron binding capacity. Study group who had 3 or more upper airway infections within last six months consisted of 43 patients (22 female and 21 male, average age 39±14) and control group of 30 patients (14 female and 16 male average age 43±13) with complaints of irrelevant etiology. Hemoglobulin, ferritin levels and iron binding capacity were detected. Serum iron levels were found to be significantly decreased in study group (p<0.05). There was a significant relationship between serum iron levels and frequent upper airway infections. Serum iron level deficiency must be investigated in patients with frequent upper airway infections. In these cases, iron administration may decrease the frequency of the infections.

Keywords

• recurrent upper airway infection
• iron deficiency
• etiology.