Iron-Deficiency Anemia in ChildrenNot what you're looking for? Show
What is iron-deficiency anemia in children?Anemia is a common health problem in children. The most common cause of anemia is not getting enough iron. A child who is anemic does not have enough red blood cells or enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that lets red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body. Iron is needed to form hemoglobin. What causes iron-deficiency anemia in a child?Iron-deficiency anemia can be caused by:
What are the symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia in a child?These are the most common symptoms of iron-deficiency anemia:
How is iron-deficiency anemia diagnosed in a child?In most cases, anemia is diagnosed with simple blood tests. Routine anemia screening is done because anemia is common in children and they often have no symptoms.
Most anemia in children is diagnosed with these blood tests:
How is iron-deficiency anemia treated in a child?Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is. To prevent iron-deficiency anemia, the AAP says:
Treating iron-deficiency anemia includes:
What are possible complications of iron-deficiency anemia in a child?Iron-deficiency anemia may cause delayed growth and development. What can I do to prevent iron-deficiency anemia in my child?You can often prevent iron-deficiency anemia through screening and taking iron supplements.
When should I call my child's healthcare provider?Call your child's healthcare provider if your infant is not nursing well. Or if your toddler or child has any of the signs of iron-deficiency anemia. Key points about iron-deficiency anemia in children
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s healthcare provider:
Not what you're looking for? How does iron deficiency affect a child?In children iron deficiency develops slowly and produces few acute symptoms. As the deficiency worsens children become pale and weak, eat less, and tire easily. They gain weight poorly, have frequent respiratory and intestinal infections, and may develop pica.
What would be the symptoms of iron deficiency in a school aged child?Signs and symptoms of iron deficiency
Overall lack of energy and fatigue. Pale appearance as hemoglobin levels drop. Nails that appear brittle, tongue that looks redder than normal and/or cracks on the side of the mouth. Poor appetite or a craving to eat non-food items like ice, dirt, paint or starch.
How does iron deficiency anemia affect development?Anemia can cause developmental delays and behavioral disturbances such as decreased motor activity, social interaction and attention to tasks. Several studies show an increased likelihood of mild or moder- ate mental retardation associated with iron deficiency, even if it has not progressed to the point of anemia.
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