Anemia is having fewer red blood cells than is normal.
Anemics do not have enough red blood cells.
What causes anemia?
The body uses iron to make red blood cells and to build muscle
and strong bones.
Red blood cells carry oxygen.
Anemia in children is most often caused by not eating enough
iron, but can have other causes.
Heavy menstrual periods can cause anemia if too much iron is
lost in the blood.
Who can be anemic?
Anyone who does not get enough iron can be anemic.
It is especially important for infants and teens to get enough
iron.
Girls who are menstruating need lots of iron.
What are the symptoms of anemia?
There may be none.
Symptoms are hard to notice unless the anemia is severe.
Children may feel weak and get tired easily.
Children may look pale.
If anemia is not treated, your child's growth and development
could be affected.
Is anemia contagious?
No. Anemia is not contagious.
How is anemia treated?
The doctor will take a blood test to see if your child is
anemic.
The red blood cells will be counted and studied.
If your child is anemic, the doctor will give you
instructions.
Children who are anemic usually need to take an iron
supplement.
To help your child take her medicine, mix it with juice.
Give her only the amount prescribed.
Wipe your child's teeth after she takes her medicine.
The medicine may make your child's stools dark green or black.
This is okay.
Add more iron-rich food to your child's diet. Foods that say
"enriched" or "iron-fortified" on the label are a good source of
iron.
Some iron rich food are:
Cereals (especially Cheerios, Total, and Cream of
Wheat)
Peanut butter
Beef
Pork
Turkey
Chicken
Fish
Eggs
White, red, and baked beans
Peas and lentils
Dried fruit (peaches, apricots, raisins)
Prune juice
Almonds
Spinach
How long does anemia last?
Generally, it will last a few weeks to a few months after your
child starts taking medication.
Can anemia be prevented?
Eat foods high in iron. See the list above for
suggestions.
Children under 1 year old should not drink regular milk. It
doesn't have enough iron. Infant formulas do.
When should I call the doctor?
Call if your child tires easily, is pale, or often feels
weak.
Call if you think your child is anemic.
Call if you have questions or concerns about your child's
condition.
Quick Answers
Anemics do not have enough red blood cells.
Children who are anemic may feel weak, get tired easily, and
look pale.
Anemia is not contagious.
Children who are anemic usually need to take an iron
supplement.
If anemia is not treated your child's growth and development
could be affected.
To prevent anemia, eat foods high in iron.
Call the doctor if you have questions or concerns about your
child's condition.
References
Bell H. Iron and Teens: A Guide to Anemia Prevention.
Children's Hospital Boston. 2000 April 20 (cited 2001 December 3).
URL: http://www.youngwomenshealth.org/iron.html
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia. Iron Deficiency
Anemia. 1996-2001 (cited 2001 December 3). URL:
http://www.chop.edu/consumer/your_child/wellness_index.jsp?id=-8894
MedicineNet.com. Anemia. 1996-2001 (cited 2001 December 3).
URL:
http://www.focusonhiv.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=2015&rd=1
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