Anemia may be defined as a decrease in the concentration of red blood cells (RBC) or the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood (HGB). The causes of anemia in children are different depending on the age at the time of presentation, sex, race and ethnicity Age of the patient – The age of the patient should be taken into account because the normal values of hematocrit (HCT) and hemoglobin (HGB) vary greatly with age and there are different causes of anemia at different ages. The most common cause of anemia in infants is “physiological anemia” which occurs at approximately six to nine weeks of age. In pathological anemia, the level of HGB is lower than what is usually observed with physiological anemia. (that is, less than 9 grams per deciliter)

Common causes of pathological anemia in infants include blood loss, immune hemolytic disease (ie, Rh or ABO incompatibility), congenital infection, congenital hemolytic anemia (eg, hereditary spherocytosis, glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase [G6PD] deficiency). Neonatal hyperbilirubinemia indicates a hemolytic cause. Microcytosis at birth indicates chronic intrauterine blood loss. Compared to term infants, #00eaff;">Premature infants are born with lower HCT and HGB, have a shorter life span of red blood cells (RBC), and due to liver failure, erythropoietin production is impaired. Therefore, the decrease in red blood cell production occurs earlier than birth and is more severe than the anemia seen in term infants. This disease is called "anemia of prematurity".
Infants three to six months old – Anemia diagnosed at three to six months indicates hemoglobinopathy. Nutritional iron deficiency is another cause of anemia in children. Toddlers and teenagers – In toddlers, older children and teenagers, acquired causes of anemia, especially iron deficiency anemia, are more common. Iron deficiency anemia screening is recommended in all children aged 9 to 12 months and should be considered in children with additional risk factors.

Symptoms of anemia in children
Most of the symptoms of anemia are due to lack of oxygen in the cells. Many symptoms do not appear with mild anemia.
These are the most common symptoms:
increased heart rate
shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
lack of energy
Dizziness, especially when standing
Headache
excitability
irregular menstrual cycle
absence or delay in menstruation
Sore or swollen tongue
Yellow skin or yellow eyes
Spleen or liver enlargement
slow or delayed growth or development
poor wound and tissue healing

Be sure to report any symptoms to your pediatrician.

How is anemia in a child treated?
Treatment depends on your child's symptoms, age, and general health. It also depends on the severity of the disease. Some types do not need treatment. Some types may require medication, blood transfusions, surgery, or a stem cell transplant.

Always consult a pediatric specialist for diagnosis.