What are the symptoms of iron deficiency anemia in children?

Written by Hu Qi Feng
Pediatrics
Updated on September 08, 2024
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Iron deficiency anemia can manifest as: 1. Gradual pallor of the skin and mucous membranes, especially noticeable on the lips, oral mucosa, and nail beds. Older children may experience dizziness, darkening before the eyes, and tinnitus. Additionally, anemia can lead to extramedullary hematopoiesis, and enlargement of the liver, spleen, and lymph nodes can occur. The younger the age and the longer the duration of the disease, the more severe the anemia and the more prominent the enlargement of the liver and spleen. 2. In terms of gastrointestinal tract: reduced appetite, pica, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomatitis may occur. 3. Nervous system manifestations include: restlessness or lethargy, lack of concentration, reduced memory, and intelligence often lower than peers of the same age. 4. Cardiovascular system: an increased heart rate may be observed, and in severe cases, cardiac enlargement and even heart failure can occur. 5. Immune system: Iron deficiency can affect hematopoietic function, often leading to reduced cell-mediated immune function and combined infections.

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

The formed elements in the blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which play important roles in cellular metabolism, defense, and hemostasis, respectively. Among them, anemia falls under the category of red blood cell diseases. Iron-deficiency anemia refers to a condition where the body's iron stores are depleted, failing to meet the needs for normal red blood cell production. Before the production of red blood cells is restricted, the body's iron stores are already depleted, but anemia has not yet occurred, a condition we call iron deficiency, also known as the subclinical iron deficiency period clinically. Iron-deficiency anemia is a common red blood cell disease and falls under the category of hematology. Therefore, patients with iron-deficiency anemia should consult a specialist in hematology.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Symptoms of iron deficiency anemia

The clinical manifestations of iron deficiency anemia consist of symptoms due to the anemia itself, specific manifestations of iron deficiency, and the underlying diseases causing the iron deficiency. The onset of anemia is often insidious, with some patients progressing very slowly. Initially, patients can adapt well to daily life and continue with their work, making it difficult to detect. It is usually not until the anemia becomes moderate to severe and symptoms become apparent that it is discovered. Common symptoms of anemia include dizziness, headaches, weakness, easy fatigue, palpitations, and shortness of breath after activity. Some patients might also experience a decline in memory and suffer from tinnitus and blurred vision. Some affected children may exhibit delayed growth and development or even abnormal behaviors, which can manifest as irritability, restlessness, inattention in class, and declining academic performance. A few patients may develop pica, a specific manifestation of iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, some patients might suffer from angular cheilitis, glossitis, and even atrophy of the tongue papillae. Severe cases can experience transient blindness and fainting, hence it is crucial to seek medical attention for iron deficiency anemia at the earliest.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia

The treatment principles for iron deficiency anemia mainly involve two aspects. One is to identify the cause of the iron deficiency anemia. Once the cause is confirmed, fundamental treatment of the cause should be conducted to restore the body's normal iron stores. The second aspect is iron supplementation, which is recommended to be administered orally. The daily supplemental iron dose is approximately 150 to 200 milligrams, typically using ferrous preparations such as ferrous succinate, ferrous fumarate, ferrous gluconate, and iron dextran. It is suggested that iron supplements be taken with meals or after meals to reduce gastrointestinal irritation caused by the medication. Additionally, it is advised to avoid consuming tea, coffee, and other substances that could interfere with iron absorption during the treatment period.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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The key to curing iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia, a common and frequently occurring disease in the department of hematology, is not difficult to diagnose and treat. The key to treatment lies in addressing the cause of the iron deficiency, and it is essential to eliminate the underlying causes as much as possible. Using iron supplements alone can only restore blood counts; neglecting the primary disease will not lead to a complete cure of the anemia and can easily lead to recurrence. Treatment consists of two phases: first, the supplementation with iron supplements. After taking iron supplements for three to four days, an increase in reticulocytes will occur, reaching a peak around seven days, and hemoglobin will significantly rise after two weeks of medication, returning to normal levels after one to two months. However, after hemoglobin levels normalize, some patients may stop taking the medication. It is important to note that continuing to take iron supplements for three months is necessary to replenish the body's iron stores completely.

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Written by He Li Fang
Hematology
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How long does iron deficiency anemia need to be treated?

Patients with iron deficiency anemia typically need several months of iron supplementation treatment. The specific reason is that after taking iron supplements, patients' subjective symptoms can recover quickly. The count of reticulocytes generally begins to rise within three to four days after starting the medication, reaching a peak around seven days. Hemoglobin levels notably increase within two weeks of treatment, and generally return to normal around two months. After correcting anemia, it is necessary to continue treatment for at least another three months because the body's iron stores need further supplementation. It is necessary to restore serum ferritin levels to fifty micrograms per liter to replenish these stores fully. This is required to achieve a true cure of iron deficiency anemia, as without this, patients are prone to relapse. Therefore, regular and long-term effective use of iron supplements is an essential basis for ensuring the treatment effectiveness of iron deficiency anemia.