Anemia is condition where there are fewer red blood cells than normal, either from destruction of red blood cells, low production of cells or blood loss. Anemia is often associated with iron deficiency, but can sometimes indicate severe illnesses. Therefore, it is important to know and recognize the signs of anemia, particularly in children.
Paleness
Paleness and a lack of color in a child's lips and nails are one of the most notable signs of a child being anemic, notes the Kids Health website. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to the surface of the skin. When there is not enough hemoglobin, oxygen does not reach the tissue and the tissue becomes pale.
Other Signs
Common signs of anemia in children include an increased heart rate, difficulty catching the breath, headache and fatigue. In more extreme cases, children may experience symptoms such as a swollen tongue, enlarged liver or spleen, yellowing of the skin or delayed menstruation in girls. Severe anemia could lead to a slower rate of tissue and bone healing or a delay in development and growth.
Causes
Anemia is often caused by an iron deficiency due to not having enough iron in the child's daily nutritional intake. It could also be caused by a recent infection, such as an ear or sinus infection. In rarer cases, childhood anemia could be a sign of lead poisoning, vitamin B12 deficiency or an inherited disease such as sickle cell anemia or thalassemia, among others.
Cures
In many cases, a daily iron supplement can cure childhood anemia. Another potential solution is to change a child's diet to include more iron-rich foods like meats, beans and iron-fortified cereals. Hemoglobin levels may rise if you reduce your child's intake of cow's milk, which prevents the body from absorbing as much iron as necessary, and giving your child a vitamin C supplement. Sometimes antibiotics may be necessary if the lack of red blood cells is a result of an infection. If the anemia is caused by a disease, the pediatrician is likely to prescribe medication treat the disease and increase the red blood cells in the body. In extreme cases, and depending on the cause of the anemia, there may be a need to remove the spleen, have a bone marrow transplant or a blood transfusion.
