Iron deficiency anemia in children

Iron deficiency anemia is a syndrome characterized by a decrease in the formation of erythrocytes and hemoglobin in the blood due to iron deficiency. Especially often this syndrome occurs in young children and adolescents, as the rapidly growing body needs iron.

The causes of iron deficiency anemia in children

There are three main groups of causes of anemia in children:

1. Accelerated growth of the body:

2. Insufficient intake of iron in the body with food:

3. Loss of iron with blood:

Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children

With mild anemia, the following symptoms are observed:

With moderate degree of anemia:

If the anemia develops into severe form, there are:

At any stage of anemia, a blood test will show a decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells in the blood. The degree of reduction of these indicators will allow to establish precisely the degree of development of iron deficiency anemia. Reduction of hemoglobin up to 80 g / l and erythrocytes up to 3.5x1012 / l - indicates an easy degree; up to 66 g / l and up to 2.8 × 1012 / l, respectively - about the average degree; up to 35 g / l and up to 1.4 x 1012 / l - about the severe degree of anemia.

How to treat anemia in children?

The basis for the treatment of iron deficiency anemia in children is the intake of iron preparations:

For better assimilation of iron preparations it is good to combine with ascorbic acid acid and drink with acidic drinks, for example, compotes or diluted juices. Take glandular preparations before eating.

As a rule, initially prescribe iron preparations for oral administration, orally. In case of intolerance to the gastrointestinal tract, as well as in severe syndrome, intramuscular or intravenous administration is prescribed.

Preparations of iron are prescribed in moderate doses, the exact dosage for your child will be calculated by the attending physician. The intake of increased doses of iron is not harmful, but it does not make sense either, since the absorption of iron by the human body is limited, the surplus simply will not be absorbed.