Anemia is a loss of red blood cells, which normally transport oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency anemia is the most common kind of anemia in children, according to Children's Hospital Boston. Infants and children require about 8 to 10 mg of iron a day to absorb the 1 g necessary to sustain red blood cell development and maintenance.
Symptoms
A child who develops iron deficiency anemia typically appears pale. The iron deficient child may be irritable or fatigued. He might experience shortness of breath, headaches, a sore tongue or weakness. He may crave unusual foods, or want to eat things that aren't food, such as dirt. Children with iron deficiency anemia sometimes lose their appetite completely. Iron-deficiency anemia can cause learning difficulties, decreased attention span and lack of concentration in children. These can affect school performance and for some children may be the first sign of a problem.
Causes
The most common cause of iron deficiency anemia in a child is a lack of iron in the diet. Some children develop iron deficiency anemia because of a difficulty absorbing iron in the diet. Hidden blood loss, such as from the intestines, can also contribute to iron deficiency anemia. A diet high in cow's milk can hinder iron absorption and make a child more prone to anemia. Lead poisoning can also cause iron deficiency anemia. Toddlers between one and three are often at high risk for iron deficiency anemia because they tend to consume a lot of cow's milk and commonly have diets that are low in iron. Preteen girls may become prone to anemia when they hit puberty, since menstruation can lead to significant blood loss each month.
Diagnosis
When a doctor suspects that a child may have iron deficiency anemia, she typically takes a blood sample to check the levels of iron in the child's blood. Looking at the blood sample under the microscope can reveal whether the red blood cells are healthy or pale and small, a sign of anemia. Fluid or cell samples might be taken from the bone marrow using a long needle if confirmation is required or to determine the cause of anemia in a child who eats a diet rich in iron.
Treatment
Treating iron deficiency anemia typically includes feeding the child iron-rich foods such as meat, fish, egg yolk, leafy greens and iron-enriched grain products. If necessary, a doctor may prescribe ferrous sulfate, an iron supplement. These can be taken orally or given through an injection or IV. Blood counts typically return to normal within two months of starting treatment.
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