How to supplement baby's anemia?

Written by Gong Hui
Pediatrics
Updated on September 06, 2024
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The treatment for childhood anemia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. Nutritional anemia is the most common type of anemia in children, which includes iron-deficiency anemia and megaloblastic anemia. For iron-deficiency anemia, the main treatment is iron supplementation. This can be done through dietary means, such as increasing the intake of foods high in iron like pork liver and egg yolks. Additionally, treatment should address any underlying causes of iron deficiency. For instance, if parasitic infections are causing blood loss, then treating the parasitic infection is necessary. If the anemia is due to poor dietary habits or picky eating, then changing these habits is crucial. If general treatments are ineffective, then oral iron supplements should be considered. In the case of megaloblastic anemia, it is important to address the vitamin deficiencies that cause it, namely the lack of folate and vitamin B12. Supplementation of folate and vitamin B12 is recommended.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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What indicators are used to diagnose anemia?

To determine if someone is anemic, we should look at the red blood cell count and hemoglobin level in a complete blood count. Currently, hemoglobin level is the commonly used indicator clinically. Normal hemoglobin levels are 110~150g/L for women and 120~160g/L for men. Anemia is diagnosed when the hemoglobin level falls below the normal range. Based on the amount of hemoglobin, anemia can be classified into very severe, severe, moderate, or mild. Hemoglobin levels above 90g/L indicate mild anemia, levels between 60~90g/L indicate moderate anemia, levels between 30~60g/L indicate severe anemia, and levels below 30g/L indicate very severe anemia.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Iron deficiency anemia is a type of anemia.

Anemia is a condition in which the total volume of red blood cells in the circulating blood is reduced below the normal value. Iron deficiency anemia belongs to a category of anemia caused by a lack of hematopoietic raw materials. It occurs when the body's stored iron is depleted and cannot meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. Iron deficiency anemia is a common disease among red blood cell disorders and is categorized under anemias caused by a deficiency in hematopoietic raw materials.

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Written by Li Fang Fang
Hematology
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Which department should I go to for anemia?

Anemia is classified as a hematological disease and requires further diagnosis and treatment in the department of hematology. In severe cases of anemia, the body can be in a state of ischemia and hypoxia, which can induce the occurrence of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, such as acute angina and cerebral thrombosis. Therefore, patients with acute anemia need to have red blood cell transfusions to support treatment and correct the anemia. If the anemia is not severe, red blood cell transfusion is not necessary, but it is important to complete tests like anemia indicators, bone marrow aspiration, and bone marrow biopsy to further clarify the cause of the anemia and treat it accordingly.

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Obstetrics
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How should pregnant women supplement for anemia?

Under normal circumstances, if anemia symptoms are confirmed after pregnancy, further examination is still necessary for active symptomatic treatment. Normally, the specific cause of the anemia can be identified, whether it is due to iron deficiency, folate deficiency, or B12 deficiency. According to the specific cause of anemia, oral medication can be administered for symptomatic treatment, which can effectively alleviate the symptoms. After taking oral medication, it is also necessary to regularly check the rise in hemoglobin levels to properly manage the condition.

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Written by Yue Hua
Obstetrics and Gynecology
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Symptoms of anemia in late pregnancy

Patients with mild anemia in the late stage of pregnancy may not exhibit any obvious symptoms. However, patients with severe anemia may feel a lack of energy and dizziness throughout the body, and experience symptoms such as palpitations and shortness of breath after doing just a little bit of activity. Additionally, some individuals may experience gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal bloating and diarrhea. Moreover, those affected may have a reduced appetite. In anemic women, signs on the skin and mucous membranes include pallor, dry skin, and sparse hair. Additionally, the nails may also be fragile and thin, and there is an increased likelihood of developing oral inflammation and similar symptoms.