Anemia is when the number of red blood cells in the body falls below the normal level for your child's age. It can cause your child to appear pale and to feel irritable, tired or weak. While these symptoms may worry you, the most common causes of anemia in children - such as iron deficiency - are generally easy to treat, especially when it is caught early. In addition, parents need to know what steps to take to prevent this condition.
Because rapid growth is a potential cause of this condition, the first year of life and adolescence are the two ages when infants and children are particularly vulnerable to anemia in children.
What is anemia?
Anemia in children means that there are not enough red blood cells in the children. Red blood cells are filled with hemoglobin, a special pigment protein that carries and transports oxygen to other cells in the body. The cells in your child's muscles and organs need oxygen to survive, and a reduced number of red blood cells can put stress on the body.
What is anemia in children?
Anemia in children is a common problem. About 20% of anemia in children in the U.S. will be diagnosed with anemia at some point. Anemia in children doesn't have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a type of protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to other cells in the body.
There are many types of anemia in children:
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Iron deficiency anemia in children.This is when the child doesn't have enough iron in the blood. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. This is the most common cause of anemia.
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Megaloblastic anemia in children.This is when red blood cells are too large from a lack of folic acid or vitamin B-12. One type of megaloblastic anemia is pernicious anemia. In this type, there is a problem absorbing vitamin B-12, important to making red blood cells.
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Hemolytic anemia in children.This is when red blood cells are destroyed. There are many different causes, such as serious infections or certain medicines.
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Sickle cell anemia in children.This is a type of hemoglobinopathy, an inherited type of anemia with abnormally shaped red blood cells.
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Cooley's anemia (thalassemia) in children. This is another inherited type of anemia with abnormal red blood cells.
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Aplastic anemia in children.This is failure of the bone marrow to make blood cells.
Anemia in children if he or she:
- Anemia in children does not produce enough red blood cells. This can happen if she does not have enough iron or other nutrients in her diet (as in iron deficiency anemia).
- Anemia in children destroys too many red blood cells. This type of anemia usually occurs when a child has an underlying disease or has inherited a red blood cell disorder (such as sickle cell anemia).
- Anemia in children loss of red blood cells through bleeding. This can be either obvious blood loss, such as heavy menstrual bleeding, or chronic low-level blood loss, perhaps in the stool.
What are the common symptoms of anemia in children?
- Pale or sallow (yellow) skin
- Pale cheeks and lips
- The inner eyelids and nail beds may be less pink than normal
- Irritability
- Slight weakness
- Tiredness easily and more frequent napping
- Children who suffer from red blood cell destruction may develop jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes) and dark tea or cola-colored urine.
Anemia in children may have additional symptoms
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Swollen hands and feet
- Headaches
- Dizziness and fainting
- Restless legs syndrome
How can I prevent my child from becoming anemia in children?
Some types of anemia are inherited and can’t be prevented. Iron deficiency anemia, a common form of anemia, may be prevented by making sure your child gets enough iron in their diet. To do this:
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Breastfeed anemia in children if possible. They will get enough iron from your breastmilk.
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Give formula with iron. If anemia in children is on formula, use formula with added iron.
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Don't give cow’s milk until after age 1. Cow’s milk doesn't have enough iron. It should not be given to babies until after they are 1 year old, when they are eating enough other food. Too much cow's milk also prevents the body from absorbing iron. Iron is needed to make new red blood cells.
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Feed anemia in children iron-rich foods. When your child eats solid foods, choose foods that are good sources of iron. These include iron-enriched grains and cereals, egg yolks, red meats, potatoes, tomatoes, and raisins.
Iron deficiency anemia and other nutritional anemias can be prevented by making sure anemia in children eats a balanced diet. Talk with your doctor about any specific dietary restrictions in your family, as anemia in children may need supplementation to prevent anemia.
How can I know anemia in children status in an effective yet convenient way?
Use a hemoglobin meter. A hemoglobin meter can help you test anemia in children effectively and conveniently at home. It only takes 15 seconds to test and does not require a lot of blood. Many children have problems with fear of needles, blood fainting, doctors and hospitals. The hemoglobin meter can effectively help you solve these kinds of problems. Moreover, the hemoglobin meter has medical CE certification, medical iso certification, and hospital clinical trial approval. With the right testing method, HB meter will provide you with professional laboratory quality accuracy. , ensuring the accuracy of the test.
References:
1. Anemia in Children - Health Encyclopedia - URMC
See also:
1. Anemia treatment
2. What Is Blood Test For Iron Called?
3. 2022 Best Home Hemoglobin Meter Buyers Guide
4. Can I take anemia tests at home?
5. How to choose the at-home kidney test？
6. What main factors influence the hemoglobin test for results?