Childhood Anemia Anemia can affect children and adults. Learn the symptoms now so that you can treat it if it ever happens to you. Anemia occurs when a person does not have enough red blood cells. There are three types of cells that circulate throughout the body: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells, which contain hemoglobin, a red iron rich protein, carry oxygen from the lungs to all of the body’s muscles and organs. Oxygen provides the energy the body needs for all of its normal activities. White blood cells are responsible for fighting infection.
Platelets are responsible for aiding in clotting the blood following an injury. Anemia can be caused by many things but the three main bodily mechanisms that produce it are: Excessive destruction of red blood cells, blood loss, and inadequate production of red blood cells. Anemia can result from inherited disorders, nutritional problems such as iron or vitamin deficiency, infections, some kinds of cancer or exposure to a drug or toxins. Sign or symptoms of Anemia might be pale skin, decreased pinkness of the lips and nail beds. These changes happen gradually so they may be difficult to spot. Other common symptoms are irritability, fatigue, dizziness, light headedness, and a rapid heartbeat. Diagnosing Anemia usually requires a blood test and a physical exam.
Treatment for anemia depends on its cause. If your child is iron deficient, the doctor may prescribe medication as drops for infants or as a liquid or tablet for a child. He or she may also recommend adding certain foods to your child’s diet. If your teenage daughter is anemic and has heavy irregular periods, in some cases, her doctor, may prescribe a birth control pill to help her get regulated. Certain medications may be the cause of anemia. Therefore, the doctor may need to change or discontinue the medicine. If the anemia is caused by an infection it will usually improve when the infection clears up. The type, cause and severity of your child’s anemia will determine what kind of care is needed. A child with significant anemia may tire easily. Make sure to tell your child’s teacher or caregiver.
Prevention is determined by what causes the anemia. There are steps to take to help prevent iron deficiency. Be sure to talk to your doctor before trying these suggestions. Don’t switch your infant from formula to cow’s milk until the age of one. Use iron-fortified cereals and formulas. This can help ensure that your baby is getting enough iron. Eat a well balanced meal. Good choices would include: red meat, egg yolks, leafy green vegetables, yellow vegetables, fruits, potato skins, tomatoes, molasses and raisins. If your child is a vegetarian, you will need to make an extra special effort because iron is found in foods such as meats, poultry and fish. If you have any questions or feel that your child might have anemia, call your doctor.
