7 warning signs of anemia in children

Anemia in children is considered one of the diseases of most interest in public health because of the serious consequences it can generate in child development. It affects almost 50% of children of pre-school age, between 6 and 24 months of age.

There are many studies that have been carried out in search of the main cause of this alteration and of the most advisable tools to combat it.

What is anemia?

Anemia is a drop in hemoglobin levels. This is responsible for transporting oxygen within the red cells or red blood cells. For this reason, a decrease in the values ​​of hemoglobin leads to a decrease in the supply of oxygen to the organs.

There are some exceptional situations, such as pregnancy, in which it is considered normal that the hemoglobin values ​​are below the range of limits that laboratories have.

But, whenever there are data that indicate the appearance of a possible anemia, it is necessary to make a consultation with the specialist doctor for the interpretation of all values.

Types of anemia in children

According to the cause of the anemia, can be classified into different types:

• Lower production of red blood cellss. The bone marrow is responsible for producing them and, for this, needs iron, folates and vitamin E.
• Destruction of red blood cells. The medical term is hemolysis and consists of a faster elimination of the red blood cells than normal.
• Loss of iron. It is usually frequent in cases of hemorrhages or due to insufficient intake of iron in the diet.

You may be interested: Iron-deficiency anemia in children

Symptoms showing anemia in children

1. Fatigue or fatigue

The term that is used in medicine for this symptom is asthenia. In the presence of the same it is convenient to go to a pediatric specialist who will assess performing the necessary physical examination, the possible cause.

Fatigue or fatigue is difficult to define, and more for a child. It should always be considered that it should be an extreme symptom. In the child it is appreciated as a lower physical performance and a continuous desire for rest.

2. Irritability

This symptom usually accompanies fatigue and, like this one, it is very difficult to identify correctly. Many children have tantrums or irritability due to their own development or due to different causes.

3. Anorexia in anemia in children

Loss of appetite is another major symptom that is associated with anemia in children. However, it is a picture that can appear in a timely manner due to infectious conditions or specific situations such as problems at school.

It is recommended to monitor the evolution and check the duration of this table to request consultation with the specialist if it persists in time.

4. Pagofagia or Pica

It is a quite strange symptom but it can appear in the presence of anemia in children. It consists in the intake of non-food products.

This alteration of behavior must be well monitored by parents or guardians and request consultation with the doctor urgently; especially for the possible poisonings that can debut from it.

5. Paleness or jaundice of skin or mucous membranes

A change in skin color indicates a decrease in the number of red blood cells. If these changes occur sporadically and their recovery is rapid, it is usually associated with acute symptoms that resolve. But if they stay several days, it is advisable to visit the pediatrician for their assessment.

You may be interested: Jaundice in children.

6. Tachycardia in anemia in children

An elevated heart rate or the sensation of palpitations are frequent pictures of possible anemia in children. This symptomatology It usually shows in the child with dizziness, possible pain in the chest or difficulty when breathing.

When this picture occurs frequently in a child, you should be consulted with your pediatrician for a correct assessment, since it may also be due to other types of problems.

7. Hair loss or weak nails

One of the symptoms that appear in anemia in children are weakened nails and hair loss. Depending on the child's age, the latter may be more difficult to identify because of the presence of very fine hair.

conclusion

In conclusion, there are many symptoms that can appear in case of anemia in children. We must be vigilant to detect any problem in time and avoid possible complications. If there is any doubt, the pediatrician will always be at our disposal to consult you.