Overview
Anemia is when the number of red blood cells in the body gets too low. Red blood cells carry hemoglobin (HEE-muh-glow-bin), a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough of them, oxygen doesn't get to the body's organs. Without enough oxygen, the organs can't work normally.
Different Kinds of Anemia
- Anemias from when red blood cells get broken down too fast,
- Anemia from bleeding.
- Anemia from red blood cells being made too slowly
Signs & Symptoms of Anemia
Some children with anemia don't have any symptoms. A child who does have symptoms might:
- look pale
- seem moody
- be very tired
- feel dizzy or lightheaded
- have a fast heartbeat
- have jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), an enlarged spleen, and dark tea-colored pee (in hemolytic anemias)
- Young children with iron-deficiency anemia also might have developmental delays and behavioral problems.
Is Anemia Treated?
Treatment for anemia depends on the cause. Kids and teens with anemia might need:
- medicines
- changes in their diet
- blood transfusions
- treatment of another underlying disease
- to see doctors (hematologists) who specialize in anemia and other blood problems