Anemia (Low blood percentage, iron deficient anemia)

What is anemia in children?

Anemia means a child has a lower than normal number of red blood cells. These cells have hemoglobin, which is an iron-containing molecule that carries oxygen around the body. In general, the number of red blood cells may be lower than normal for one of three reasons: because not enough red blood cells are being made in the bone marrow, they are being lost somewhere due to bleeding, or they are being destroyed for other reasons.

Anemia is a common condition that affects many children. A lack of iron in the diet is the most common cause of anemia in infants and toddlers. Iron is needed to make red blood cells, so without enough iron, the body cannot make enough of them. A lack of the vitamins B12 and folic acid also reduces how many red blood cells are made, leading to anemia. Other less common causes of reduced production include certain medications, viral infections, rare blood diseases, metabolic diseases, and other chronic childhood illnesses.

In older children and adults, anemia more commonly results from chronic blood loss, for example, due to repeated nose bleeds, heavy menstrual periods, or intestinal bleeding (such as seen with inflammatory bowel disease).

Some inherited conditions can cause anemia due to increased destruction of blood cells. Sickle cell disease, which is widespread among African-American children, is a hereditary disease that often results in anemia. Thalassemia and G6PD deficiency are other hereditary disorders that can lead to anemia by causing red blood cells to be destroyed.

Treatment / What you should do if your child has anemia

If you suspect that your child has anemia, you should consult your doctor.

A blood test can quickly and easily make the diagnosis.

Treatment depends on the cause of the anemia. In cases of proven iron deficiency, an iron supplement can easily reverse the anemia. If your child is put on iron supplements, it is important not to take it with milk, as this slows down how much of the iron is absorbed into the body from the intestine. Instead, offer the iron supplements with juice that contains vitamin C, which increases iron absorption.

Iron medications can discolor children's teeth, so brush your child's teeth after each dose. Don't worry - this discoloration is not permanent.

Give your child the iron supplements for as long as your doctor recommends them. Your child's red blood cell count should be re-tested after the treatment is finished.

Do not begin giving iron supplements to your child without checking first with your doctor. Taking too much iron can be very dangerous.

The important thing is to determine the exact cause of your child's anemia. If the anemia is due to especially heavy menstrual bleeding in a teenage female, it may be appropriate to use a birth control pill to reduce the bleeding.

If certain medications are causing the anemia, then the doctor will probably decide that the child should stop taking these medicines. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplements can be used to treat certain types of anemia. In rare cases of severe anemia, it may be necessary to admit the child to the hospital for special treatment, like a blood transfusion, that can only be done in the hospital.