Anaemia is a condition in which the haemoglobin concentration in the blood of a child is
below the normal. Generally haemoglobin levels below 11 gms per decilitre of blood is
considered as Anaemia.
Haemoglobin is a pigment in the Red Blood cells of the blood and it carries the vital
oxygen to all parts of the body. A fall in the amount of circulating haemoglobin and the
oxygen carried by it adversely affects the efficient functioning of the several vital
organs.
Symptoms of Anaemia
| a. |
A child
suffering from Anaemia, appears pale which can be found out by the paleness of the color
of tongue and the inner surface of eyelids and lips. |
| b. |
The child feels weak, lethargic
and tires out easily. |
| c. |
A child may feel breathless,
exerted and prone to infection. |
Causes of Anaemia
Anaemia can occur due to :
| a. |
Deficient
production of haemoglobin and Red Blood cells in the bone marrow e.g. in Thalassemia,
Leukemia. |
| b. |
Excessive
destruction of Red Blood cells, which may be due to blood group incompatibility in infancy
for which a complete exchange transfusion is advised. |
| c. |
Iron deficiency
anaemia, which is the most common anaemia seen in children. This is due to less intake of
food rich in iron, which is necessary for proper formation of blood. |
Treatment Advised
It is very important to find out the cause of anaemia and beat it
accordingly. In case of Iron deficiency anaemia which is most commonly seen, it is
necessary to give children food that is rich in iron e.g. green vegetables, fruits like
apples, bananas. Dry fruits like dates contain a lot of iron and can also be given.
In cases of bleeding disorders, proper medication can be given. In cases of Thalassemia,
frequent blood transfusion and long term special treatment under medical supervision is
necessary.
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