Anemia in children: causes and symptoms of alarm

The anemia in children It is a pathology caused basically by low levels of iron in the blood. Iron is a fundamental micromineral for our body to carry out different vital functions, intervening in the transport of oxygen and carbon dioxide, and participating in the production of hemoglobin, among other elements of the blood.

We know that the iron It is one of the fundamental mineral salts for all good functioning of the organism, playing a very important role in the formation of the hemoglobin contained in red blood cells, in numerous enzymes indispensable for the correct functioning of the organism, and in the formation of muscle myoglobin.

However, it is estimated that half of children under three suffer from childhood anemia, understood by the decrease in hemoglobin below the limits that are considered normal according to the age and sex of the boy or girl.

Causes of childhood anemia

Although as many experts indicate, childhood anemia can have several justifications, cause Mainly in most cases it is due to a certainly insufficient intake of iron in the diet, causing deficit.

In fact, anemia caused by low or decreased levels of iron is the most common cause of anemia, and especially of childhood anemia.

The growth of the smallest implies an increase in the volume of both blood and muscle, which is why the needs of this mineral tend to increase. This is even more important during the period of puberty, where even an increase in iron intake is necessary.

There are also other nutrients that can cause childhood anemia, such as the deficit of folic acid and / or vitamin B12, causing a type of anemia that has to do with an alternation in DNA synthesis.

There are other causes that can cause the appearance of anemia due to a low iron level in the smallest. For example:

Inability of the organism to absorb iron normally (even though the child maintains an adequate diet that provides recommended and sufficient amounts of this mineral).
Slow and prolonged blood loss. It is usually common during menstrual periods (for example, after the arrival of the first menstruation), or by some type of bleeding in the digestive tract.

What are the most common symptoms in childhood anemia

Among some of the symptom Anemic children tend to depend mainly on the severity of the disease, so that, for example, in mild cases the symptoms are somewhat non-specific, but in somewhat more advanced stages they may undergo cardiorespiratory changes.

In addition, iron deficiency can even cause learning difficulties, so that childhood anemia can negatively affect a possible school failure.

Thus, when childhood anemia is mild, it may not present symptoms in most cases. However, as the iron blood count decreases with time, symptoms may arise, such as:

Irritable mood.
Pile disorder (eating unusual or inedible foods, such as paper or dirt).
Tiredness and weakness, which lasts all the time.
Headache.
Dizziness

When the anemia increases, and becomes severe, other symptoms may also arise such as: pale skin, bluish discoloration of the whites of the eyes (that is, the whites of the eyes) and brittle nails.

What are the tests or exams that help your diagnosis?

When there is suspicion of anemia in the child, it is likely that the pediatrician prescribes certain tests or medical tests that help to discover whether or not there are decreased levels of iron in the blood.

When carrying out the blood test, it is possible to include the study of the following elements: serum iron, hematocrit, serum ferritin and total iron binding capacity (CTFH).

How is the treatment of childhood anemia?

It is estimated that the majority of children need an approximate consumption of between 3 mg to 6 mg of iron per day. However, this amount can easily be administered through the monitoring of a varied and balanced diet.

And what are the best sources of iron in the children's diet? Chicken, turkey, fish and veal, lentils and dried beans, apricots, eggs, raisins, spinach, kale and other green leafy vegetables and prunes.

Images | Istockphoto This article is published for informational purposes only. You can not and should not replace the consultation with a Pediatrician.We advise you to consult your trusted pediatrician. ThemesDiseases in babies and children