Anemia In Infants: Causes, Manifestations And Treatment

Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells in the blood. In other words, it is when hemoglobin levels – the red-colored protein that carries oxygen – are below normal. When anemia occurs in infants, it requires special measures.

The causes of anemia in infants

According to information from the Argentine Pediatric Association, there are “different types of anemia, but the most common, especially in children, is called iron deficiency anemia or anemia due to iron deficiency. It is usually caused by a diet that lacks animal and vegetable proteins: red and white meat, green leafy vegetables and legumes. ”

According to the same source, there are periods in life when people are more susceptible to developing anemia. These include the first year of life, adolescence and pregnancies. In general, anemia is the result of a rapid breakdown of red blood cells or a major loss of blood. It may also be the case that a person’s bone marrow does not produce enough red erythrocytes (red blood cells).

At the same time, the reduction in red blood cells may be greater in very premature babies. Anemia in premature babies is greater in those born after less than 32 weeks of pregnancy (time spent in the womb). The same goes for premature babies who spend many days in the hospital.

Remember

It is important to know that anemia in infants is a serious problem that can endanger the baby’s development and life. The same applies to undiagnosed iron deficiency even later in life. Both can affect a child’s brain activity and cognitive ability. This includes language development, motor development and coordination.

We do not write this to spread fear or paranoia. However, it is important to talk to your child’s doctor to prevent anemia in infants.

Treatment of anemia in infants

Once a doctor has determined that the cause of the anemia is iron deficiency, the treatment consists of administering iron supplements. This can be in the form of drops, liquid medicine or tablets, depending on what suits the patient best. A pediatrician will prescribe the correct dose and duration of treatment for each patient. The treatment usually takes at least three months.

Parents should never give their children medication – in this case iron supplements – without first consulting a pediatrician. Therefore, iron supplements are not available without a doctor’s prescription. In addition, you should follow up the treatment with your child’s doctor regularly throughout the process.

What is the best way to prevent anemia in infants?

It is important to consult a doctor to prevent anemia. At the same time, it is important to keep the following in mind:

• Give the right nutrition, such as breast milk and iron in the form of drops every day. Doctors often recommend supplements of vitamins A, D and C.
• When introducing solid foods, the child should be accustomed to a diet that contains foods rich in iron. This can be in the form of well-cooked red meat or vegetables such as spinach, broccoli and lentils. Depending on the age of the child, one should be careful with whole lenses to avoid the risk of suffocation.

• Remember that consumption of citrus fruits and other vitamin C-rich foods promotes the absorption of iron. You can serve iron-fortified milk – even if it is not enough on its own – because it can help prevent anemia in young children.