Children normally get tired from time to time, but exhaustion that is more serious may result from a chronic illness or nutrient deficiency. Monitor your child's exhaustion carefully to determine any triggers or contributing factors. Unhealthy exhaustion may last for longer periods of time and involve secondary symptoms such as fever or sleep irregularities. Consult a physician regarding your child's exhaustion to get appropriate treatment.
Symptoms
Children regularly experience tiredness, especially when they are hungry. For example, children under 5 naturally have stop-and-go energy; they tire themselves out with activities then go through "recharge" periods. Abnormal exhaustion, however, may involve other symptoms, such as fever, inflamed tonsils, rashes or jaundice, a yellowing of the skin. Your child may snore or breathe through her mouth if sleep irregularities are the cause of exhaustion. Symptoms of unhealthy exhaustion include an excessive need to sleep, chronic lack of energy, low motivation and apathy, according to the National Institutes of Health. Contact a doctor if symptoms persist for more than 10 days, or you notice other symptoms with the exhaustion.
Infections
Any illness -- including common childhood infections such as strep throat -- can cause exhaustion. Strep throat is most common between the ages of 5 and 15, according to the MayoClinic.com. Symptoms include throat pain, difficulty swallowing, fever, swollen and red tonsils -- and fatigue. Untreated strep throat may lead to Rheumatic fever, which is harmful to your child's joints and heart valves. Ear infections are another common childhood illness that leads to fatigue. Symptoms of ear infections in children include ear pain, tugging on ears, difficulty sleeping, frequent crying, fever and loss of balance.
Sleep Apnea
Obstructive sleep apnea occurs when a blockage in the back of your child's throat prevents airflow, reducing blood oxygen and disrupting sleep. The most common causes of childhood sleep apnea are swollen tonsils and obesity. Less common causes are disorders that affect the structure of your child's jaw or facial muscles. Symptoms include loud snoring, gasping, and noisy or difficult breathing during sleep. Treating sleep apnea can improve children's energy levels as well as behavior and school performance, according to Children's Hospital Boston.
Diet
Keep track of your child's diet, especially his iron intake. Iron is necessary to build red blood cells and prevent anemia, an illness caused by iron deficiency. Children with anemia have reduced blood oxygen levels and experience exhaustion. Consider giving your children vitamin supplements, but ask a physician for advice to prevent an overdose. If you notice tiredness before meals, your child may have low blood sugar and require healthy snacks between meals.
