Why does a child become anemic and is regimen of iron treatment normal?
Patient: My grandaughter was taken to the doctor beacause she complains about leg pains. They did a blood test and said she was anemic. She was prescribed a regimen of iron for a month and is to return after that. Why does a child become anemic and is this treatment normal? Doctor: Hello. Thanks for asking on healthcaremagic. Childhood is a continuous growing phase. During these phases we need increased nutrients. However these days, children are picky eaters who might not eat a well balanced diet. Hence it is important to give supplements. Anaemia is commonly seen in growing children. Anaemia can be due to iron, folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. It is important to see from a blood picture whether iron, folate or vitamin B12 ia to be given. In case hb does not increase even after such a therapy, then underlying causes like malabsorption, haemolysis, occult blood loss, aplasia or any minor thalassemia trait will be ruled out. Thanks.