Low hemoglobin in a child treatment. All important information about low hemoglobin in a child

Last update articles: March 25, 2018

Probably for the first time, the phrase “low hemoglobin” consciously comes into a woman’s everyday life during pregnancy. Together with the understanding that you need to eat well and properly, otherwise the infant will end up with low hemoglobin. And that's true. After all, it is the mother who lays the foundation for normal levels or low hemoglobin in a newborn. During pregnancy, the necessary iron reserves for the child are created. Before birth, a baby accumulates the necessary amount of iron, which lasts for up to six months.

Pediatrician of the highest category

There is very little iron in human milk.

But it contains lactoferrin, which helps this iron to be absorbed as completely as possible. And then it helps to absorb iron from other foods.

And this is another one good reason, which is why you should not stop with the introduction of complementary foods.

It is the absence of lactoferrin when feeding children cow's and goat's milk that leads to the development of anemia in infants after 5-6 months, when the iron reserves accumulated before birth are exhausted.

There is quite a lot of iron in artificial mixtures, but it is still poorly absorbed. Therefore, it is important not to give up breastfeeding, even if there is very little milk.

What is hemoglobin?

This is a protein found inside red blood cells. It is needed to transport oxygen to the tissues of the body and take carbon dioxide from them. Iron is necessary for the synthesis of hemoglobin.

If there is not enough of it, little hemoglobin will be produced. And if there is little hemoglobin, then the body tissues will not receive enough oxygen.

Why does hemoglobin drop?

There are many reasons for low hemoglobin in children. These include anemia as a result of blood loss, hereditary anemia, and hemolytic anemia. But most cases of anemia are iron deficiency. And in infants, the cause of these conditions is low hemoglobin and lack of iron in both the expectant and nursing mother.

Anemia is rare in infants under 6 months of age. The cause of low hemoglobin in an infant may be feeding with cow's or goat's milk. After 6 months, hemoglobin levels already depend on the timely introduction of high-quality complementary foods.

Manifestations of hemoglobin deficiency in a child

Paleness of the baby's skin - palms, ears, mucous membranes.
Children with low hemoglobin do not eat well. Very often their appetite not only decreases, but they also develop strange taste preferences. For example, babies eat dirt or chalk.
Children with low hemoglobin are inactive, irritable, often get sick, study poorly, and have poor concentration.
There is a rapid heartbeat. When visiting a doctor, a child is diagnosed with a heart murmur.

The lower the hemoglobin level, the more severe the symptoms. If such symptoms are present, the child must be examined.

How is the child examined?

Of course, the examination begins with a general blood test, which determines the level of hemoglobin. But to find out whether iron deficiency is the cause of anemia, determining the level of serum ferritin will help.

Ferritin is a protein that accumulates and stores iron. Normal ferritin levels decrease with iron deficiency. The level of serum iron, transferrin, red blood cell size and a number of other blood parameters are also determined.

That is why, to diagnose the cause of a decrease in hemoglobin, you need to donate blood to a laboratory with modern equipment, where it is possible to determine all the necessary indicators.

After receiving a blood test, never try to determine on your own whether it is normal or pathological, since each indicator has its own age characteristics.

The doctor will determine what the pathology is. For example, low hemoglobin in a 4-month-old child may be physiological anemia that does not require correction.

Standard blood parameters:

Newborns have high hemoglobin levels. A physiological decrease in hemoglobin occurs at 8 - 12 weeks;
the norm of hemoglobin in newborns is 165 g/l, but the numbers can vary from 135 g/l to 240 g/l. This is also the norm and a doctor will help you understand the nuances;
The hemoglobin norm in children under one year of age is also different. At two weeks of age this is the same 165 g/l as in a newborn;
hemoglobin at the age of 3 months decreases to 120 g/l and ranges from 95 to 145 g/l;
from 6 months and older, the average hemoglobin value is 120 g/l. But hemoglobin in children under one year of age normally ranges from 105 to 140 g/l. Such indicators last up to 6 years;
from the age of 7, the average hemoglobin value is 130 g/l, and normal fluctuations range from 110 to 160 g/l.

How to increase a child's hemoglobin?

But then examinations were carried out and it was determined that low hemoglobin was due to a lack of iron. How to increase hemoglobin in a child without drugs, with the help of food? What to feed? The first thing you need to understand is that it is impossible to raise hemoglobin with the help of foods.

You can stop the process of its decline, but you will only achieve an increase in performance in two years. During this time, the body's iron reserves may be replenished, but does the child have this time?

For two years the baby will live with low hemoglobin, lagging behind in development, and often getting sick. And is it possible to fully feed a child whose appetite has decreased due to low iron content?

Then how to increase hemoglobin in an infant? A reasonable and simple solution is to take iron supplements. A doctor will help you choose the necessary and modern drug. Modern medications usually contain all the excipients that will help maximize the absorption of iron. They are usually taken before meals, since some foods inhibit the absorption of iron.

It is necessary to take iron supplements for a long time. The first control is carried out after one month, during which time hemoglobin usually increases. It returns to normal by the end of the second month of use.

Hemoglobin is a substance that contains red blood cells - blood cells. 80% of blood consists of these cells. They all contain the pigment hemoglobin, which is red in color and contains iron atoms.

Reasons for decreased hemoglobin

Iron deficiency. It performs a respiratory function. Its deficiency leads to disruption of the formation of red blood cells in the body and, naturally, to oxygen starvation of the body.
It must be remembered that iron is not absorbed in combination with calcium. Therefore, buckwheat porridge with milk is not a dish that will increase your baby’s hemoglobin.
Lack of vitamin B12. It is involved in the synthesis of hemoglobin. Here, too, you should pay attention to nutrition; B vitamins are contained in greens. However, remember that with the help of diet and certain foods you can increase hemoglobin, but only with a slight decrease.
Lack of protein. Hemoglobin is a complex consisting not only of iron, but also protein, which is an order of magnitude larger. Is there any protein in it? In cottage cheese and cheese, eggs and meat. For the baby - dietary varieties - rabbit, veal, turkey.
Folic acid deficiency. It is also present in hemoglobin.

Frequent infectious diseases, pale skin, slow wound healing are symptoms of iron deficiency. This mineral is part of hemoglobin, which actively supplies oxygen to all the baby’s organs. If there is a deficiency, there is a risk of anemia. The champion in iron content is red meat. Then come eggs, beans, dark green vegetables, whole grain bread, green apples. Iron's companions are vitamins B, A, and animal proteins. Opponents: calcium. Mixtures with iron.

What are the dangers of a low hemoglobin level?

The situation when child's hemoglobin level is 100 when the norm is 120 - occurs quite often, especially in children starting from the age of four months. At decreased level of hemoglobin in the blood, the body may suffer hypoxia– insufficient oxygen saturation of the body, which can affect the well-being and even the appearance of the child. Therefore, if you find that the baby has become weak, lethargic, is lazy a lot and constantly wants to sleep, remember that one of the reasons for this behavior may be hypoxia, caused by a low level of hemoglobin.

Hemoglobin level in children

The level of hemoglobin in a baby’s blood directly depends on his age. For example, at six months, a normal indicator for a baby is considered to be 95-135, and for a child who is already one year old, it is 100-140. Well, if the child is already about three years old, his norm is about 145. By the way, there are many beliefs among mothers that if the hemoglobin level of a one-year-old baby is less than 120, then you need to start panicking. But before you decide on your own what is normal for your baby, it is better to consult a doctor. Keep in mind that quite often the indicator can change even without changes in the baby’s diet and lifestyle. So, quite often, before prescribing certain medications, pediatricians suggest doing additional tests after a while.

U healthy child The hemoglobin content in the blood should be as follows:

In newborns - 130 g/kg;

In the first three months of life - 95-100 g/kg;

At 1-3 years: 110 g/kg;

In children from 4 to 12 years old - 115 g/kg.

If the blood test shows lower numbers, the doctor will make a diagnosis " low hemoglobin"and... Will you give recommendations on enhanced nutrition? Yes and no at the same time. Low hemoglobin will return to normal only if the true causes of this problem are eliminated.

Why does hemoglobin decrease?

There can be many reasons for a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in a child’s blood. Most often, hemoglobin decreases in children aged two years and during adolescence. The reasons for this are active growth and insufficiently balanced nutrition. In the vast majority of cases, this problem of low hemoglobin is solved by increased nutrition, sometimes with the help of iron-containing drugs. But remember that iron-containing drugs cannot be prescribed independently: a sharp increase in the level of iron in a child’s blood is no less dangerous than its deficiency!

But sometimes, despite the measures taken, it is still not possible to increase the hemoglobin content in the child’s blood. In this case, the doctor prescribes additional studies of the body in order to exclude diseases such as impaired absorption of iron and vitamin B12 in the gastrointestinal tract, chronic atrophic gastritis, chronic enteritis, immune-related diseases, etc.

ATTENTION! Oncologists are increasingly focusing the attention of not only parents, but also their colleagues on the fact that persistent low hemoglobin is one of the symptoms of blood cancer. Alas, the so-called low cancer alertness of the entire population, including professionals, cost the lives of dozens of children... Be the first to rule out this very dangerous reason, low hemoglobin in children! And with a relatively calm heart, continue searching for the cause of this problem. After all, low hemoglobin means oxygen starvation of all systems and tissues of the body. And hence the child’s lethargy, absent-mindedness, tendency to frequent acute respiratory infections and acute respiratory viral infections, and even a delay in general physical and intellectual development.

How to increase hemoglobin in a child

If all serious causes of the problem of low hemoglobin in the child’s blood are excluded, the doctor will recommend the child approximately the following diet:

1. Animal products rich in iron. Even if your entire family adheres to the principle of strict vegetarianism, exceptions must be made for a child during his period of intensive growth. Yes, there are plenty of plants in nature whose fruits are rich in iron. But this iron, unfortunately, is less absorbed by the body. Therefore, enrich your baby’s menu with liver and red meat. Egg yolks are also necessary for the baby.

If a child’s blood test shows deviations from the norm, this always causes concern. Most often in childhood detect changes in hemoglobin levels, in particular, its decrease. What does a decrease in hemoglobin affect, why a low level is dangerous and how to help a child - these questions are important for any parent.

You can correct the level of hemoglobin in the blood of a baby with nutrition and iron-containing medications. What hemoglobin in children is considered low?

Hemoglobin is a blood protein found in red blood cells. It contains iron, so due to lack of iron, the formation of such protein is impaired. Main function This protein transports oxygen throughout the child’s body. Hemoglobin gives oxygen to tissues and takes carbon dioxide from them, which it transfers to the lungs.

To assess whether a child’s hemoglobin is normal or low, you should take into account the baby’s age, because this indicator will be different for a newly born child, at 1 year, at 2 years, or at 10 years. In newborns, the level of this protein is higher, and from the second week of life it gradually decreases. And therefore, an indicator, for example, 110 g/l, for a 1-year-old child will be within the normal range, but for a baby in the first months of life it will be dangerous anemia.

The lower limit of normal hemoglobin level in children is considered to be:

Why does hemoglobin decrease in children?

Most common cause Low hemoglobin in childhood causes anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency. The famous pediatrician Komarovsky agrees with this. Iron deficiency in infancy is caused by anemia in the mother, untimely introduction of complementary foods and low physical activity of the baby. At an older age, iron deficiency is often associated with the child’s diet, for example, if he has a vegetarian diet.

Release of Dr. Komarovsky's program, dedicated to the problem low hemoglobin in children, see the following video:

In addition to iron deficiency anemia, a decrease in hemoglobin in children can be a sign of:

Hemolytic anemia, in which red blood cells are destroyed.
Anemia, which is caused by a deficiency of B vitamins (in particular, B12 and B9).
Acute bleeding, for example, due to injury or surgery.
Chronic bleeding, for example, with frequent nosebleeds or heavy periods in a teenage girl.
Crohn's disease and other intestinal diseases.
Hemophilia and other blood diseases.
Infectious disease.
Worm infestation.
Taking certain medications.
Allergies.
Tumors.

Reduced hemoglobin in a baby may be a sign of serious diseases Signs of decreased hemoglobin

Anemia in childhood manifests itself:

Pale skin.
Lethargy.
Rapid onset of fatigue.
Weakness.
Dizziness.
Drowsiness.
Changes in nails (white lines and spots appear on them).
Decreased appetite.
Deterioration of sleep.
Increased body temperature.
Bad mood.
Circles under the eyes.
Frequent viral infections.
Peeling and dry skin.

If you do not pay attention to such symptoms immediately, the child develops shortness of breath and tachycardia, apathy appears, attention and memory deteriorate, and developmental delay occurs.

Weakness, loss of appetite, unhealthy skin color indicate iron deficiency in the baby. What to do?

Having noticed the symptoms that occur with anemia in a child, you need to contact a pediatrician, who will refer the little patient for a clinical blood test. If low hemoglobin is detected in a baby during a routine examination, the child should have a repeat blood test to rule out an error in the laboratory.

When the low level is confirmed, the pediatrician will further examine the child to determine the cause of anemia, as well as to select the correct treatment.

The child must undergo regular scheduled examinations to exclude health problems. Consequences of anemia. If low hemoglobin is not detected in time or the situation is left to chance, this threatens the child with serious health problems. Lack of hemoglobin causes insufficient oxygen supply to all tissues

child's body

, including brain tissue.

The consequences of prolonged hypoxia will be developmental delays and deterioration of the child’s brain activity, as well as disruption of the functioning of internal organs. The approach to treating a child with low hemoglobin should be comprehensive and based on the reason for the decrease in this blood indicator:
If a child has iron deficiency anemia, iron supplements are indicated.
They should be prescribed by a pediatrician, selecting an age-appropriate dosage. You cannot give your child any iron supplements on your own. Babies with iron deficiency are usually prescribed medications that are taken orally. They are presented in drops or syrup, for example, in the preparations Actiferrin, Ferrum Lek Maltofer and Ferronal 35., adding foods high in iron to it, which promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the body. Such products include meat (iron is absorbed from it much better than from any plant food), legumes, eggs, offal, cereals, pomegranates, berries, nuts and other products.
Children with anemia are also advised to go for long walks. fresh air , since oxygen access stimulates the formation of red blood cells.

Parents should understand that it is impossible to treat anemia only by changing the child’s diet; adjusting the diet will only help supplement the treatment.

The opinion of the famous pediatrician Evgeniy Komarovsky regarding diet during the treatment of anemia can be found here:

Prevention

To prevent a decrease in hemoglobin in childhood, the following measures should be taken:

During pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to undergo regular blood tests and take complex vitamins. If anemia is detected in a pregnant woman, treatment should be started in a timely manner so that the fetus can accumulate iron in the required amount before birth.
It is important to breastfeed a newborn After all, iron is absorbed from human milk better than from any other food, even from a high-quality mixture enriched with iron. This is due to the presence of a special enzyme in breast milk called lactoferrin. By the way, this enzyme helps the baby absorb iron from complementary foods, so it is not recommended to stop breastfeeding while introducing new foods.
Complementary feeding should be introduced to infants in a timely manner. Pediatricians' advice to introduce infants to new foods from the age of 6 months is also due to the fact that iron reserves in the baby's body are depleted by this age. When introducing complementary foods, it is important to take into account modern recommendations, since early introduction of cow's milk crumbs into the diet is considered by pediatricians to be a risk factor for the development of both anemia and rickets.

Taking vitamins while pregnant reduces the risk of anemia by several times.

In the diet of preschool and school age There should be enough foods rich in proteins, iron and B vitamins. Such foods are chicken, beef, liver, apples, persimmons, blueberries, buckwheat, nuts, turkey, dried apricots and others. It is also important to provide your child with sufficient physical activity and daily exposure to fresh air.
To timely identify the risk of anemia, the child should regularly undergo a clinical blood test. It is optimal to do such an examination once a year.

The child's diet should be nutritious and balanced

The level of hemoglobin in a child’s blood is not a constant value. It is important that it does not fall below the limit values. Sometimes test results raise many questions for parents. What to do if the baby’s hemoglobin is low? Is it possible to increase its level at home? What consequences can there be if nothing is done? We will tell you about all this in order.

The level of hemoglobin in a child's blood can constantly change

Normal hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin (HGB) is a special blood protein whose molecules are found in red blood cells - erythrocytes. First, it’s worth finding out which HGB readings are normal. Our table shows the limit values of this indicator, which depend on the age of the child.

HGB levels can fluctuate depending on how physically active your child is and their health. The amount of this protein is also affected by the baby’s nutrition and sleep quality. If a child does not receive enough vitamins, proteins, and microelements from his diet, moves little and does not go for a walk, his test results will be worse - hemoglobin will be underestimated.

Factors affecting HGB levels

Doctors call a decrease in HGB levels anemia or anemia. The reasons for this diagnosis can be different, they are divided into three main groups:

post-transfusion - if anemia occurs due to blood loss;
violation of the production of a sufficient number of red blood cells - erythrocytes;
due to the destruction of red blood cells.

The reason for low hemoglobin may not be a small number of red blood cells, but their intense destruction

The first group of patients usually has chronic reduced level hemoglobin, since blood loss occurs constantly.

For example, during stomach bleeding, with hemorrhoids. Infants also sometimes fall into this group. Basically, this situation occurs when a baby up to one year old receives cow's milk. It has been proven that the molecules of this product are much larger than those of human milk. They get on the gastric mucosa and injure it. Red blood cells enter the intestines and are eliminated during bowel movements, causing HGB levels to drop. The second cause of anemia - impaired production of red blood cells - can occur in different cases.

Most diagnoses of anemia are caused by a deficiency of some substance, most often iron. It is important that this microelement enters the body in sufficient quantities along with foods. It also happens that the patient has impaired absorption of iron in the small intestine, and this does not allow it to be absorbed at the proper level. A lack of vitamins B9 and B12 can also cause anemia.
Another source of disruption in the production of red blood cells can be a malfunction of the bone marrow - hemoblastosis.

The destruction of red blood cells (hemolysis) is the third culprit in persistent anemia. Let's list possible reasons this state:

Genetic predisposition. A child can inherit diseases such as a disorder of the structure of red blood cells or the structure of the protein molecule - hemoglobin.
Sometimes the immune system perceives its own red blood cells as foreign, which leads to their destruction. This can be a congenital disease, or occur after replacing heart valves or taking certain medications.

The cause of impaired selectivity of immunity may be the use of certain medications.

In addition to the reasons listed, there are other factors that can lead to a decrease in hemoglobin levels. For example, there are diseases, one of the symptoms of which may be low HGB:

Gastrointestinal diseases. With certain problems with the gastrointestinal tract, iron deficiency sometimes occurs in the body. At the same time, a person can get enough of it by eating properly and nutritiously. The root of the problem is that this trace element, as well as vitamins and amino acids, can be poorly absorbed either in the stomach or intestines, due to gastritis or enteritis.
Liver diseases. This organ, like the bone marrow, is directly involved in the processes of hematopoiesis. Liver problems often lead to low hemoglobin levels.

Signs of anemia

A simple blood test speaks eloquently about a decrease in hemoglobin (or anemia). However, you can suspect a similar condition in a person based on other symptoms. Signs of anemia that a person himself, as well as those around him, can notice:

dizziness, weakness;
fast fatiguability;
shortness of breath at the slightest exertion - for example, as a result of climbing stairs;
frequent headaches;
tachycardia;
decreased blood pressure;
dry skin, mucous membranes.

If more than two of the listed signs are noted, it makes sense to take a finger prick blood test in order to identify possible anemia in time. A timely visit to a doctor will make it possible to quickly cope with the disease.

If this condition is not eliminated, more serious health problems can result. Lack of hemoglobin leads to oxygen starvation of tissues and organs. This can cause metabolic disorders and also lead to malfunctions of the central nervous system.

Methods for increasing hemoglobin

If the cause of a decrease in hemoglobin in a child is iron deficiency, the approach to treating this condition should be comprehensive. The pediatrician will recommend changing the child’s diet and also prescribe appropriate therapy. Let's look at the drugs that are usually prescribed for this diagnosis, and also tell you why it is worth reviewing the menu of a small patient.

Drugs prescribed for anemia

The most popular medications for increasing hemoglobin are preparations containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, manganese, copper, magnesium. Therapy is aimed not only at replenishing iron reserves in the body. Taking medications helps the liver accumulate this trace element in sufficient quantities. In this regard, treatment is designed for at least three months, during which the liver has time to replenish its iron reserves. The hemoglobin level can increase much earlier, which is not an indication for interrupting the course.

If treatment is required for an infant or child preschool age, preference is given to drugs that need to be taken orally, and tablets are not used. Pediatricians often prescribe Maltofer, Ferrum Lek, Aktiferrin, Hemofer. All of them are available in the form of syrup or drops. For older children, the doctor may prescribe medicine in the form of chewable lozenges or tablets - Ferrum Lek, Tardiferon, Ferrogradument. They are well absorbed and approved for use by adolescents.

Preparations can be made on the basis of 2-valent or 3-valent iron. The first ones are recommended to be taken at least an hour before meals, since during the digestion of food the absorption of such drugs worsens. The latter are allowed to be taken without taking into account the time of breakfast or lunch.

Quite often, for anemia in children, Maltofer is prescribed in chewable lozenges

All of the medications listed above do their job well. As a rule, within a month the child’s hemoglobin returns to normal (for more details, see the article: what is the normal hemoglobin level in 4-year-old children?). In this regard, it is recommended to repeat the analysis no earlier than 30 days after the start of treatment. If therapy does not bring results, you should consult a pediatric hematologist - Dr. Komarovsky warns about this.

What parents should remember

The diagnosis of “anemia” is not always made by a blood test that reveals a low level of hemoglobin (see also: how can you increase hemoglobin in a breastfed baby?). Sometimes such a test result is obtained due to improper collection of material for analysis, or when other factors were present. For example, if the test was taken after breakfast, this protein in the blood will be reduced. Often the doctor asks for a repeat test or recommends other tests. The diagnosis of anemia must be confirmed by a specialist, and a course of treatment prescribed taking into account all associated symptoms and diseases. However, not all parents are ready to follow the doctor’s recommendations exactly.

Low hemoglobin in society is considered not to be a very serious problem, so its normalization is sometimes trusted to products such as hematogen. It is believed that a bar containing bovine blood will be able to correct the situation. Experts warn that this remedy is not medicinal drug and can only be used as an auxiliary one.

In addition to iron-containing drugs, the child may be prescribed a course of enzymes, as well as bacteria for the intestines. All this must be taken if there are gastrointestinal diseases that can interfere with the complete absorption of iron supplements.

What should the diet be like?

How to raise hemoglobin levels with proper nutrition? In some cases, reviewing the diet may be the only treatment option. For example, special nutrition will help a child who does not have organic diseases and whose hemoglobin is not reduced to a critical level. Here it is worth dividing the diet for children under one year old and for those older.

The diet will help if the hemoglobin level is not critically lowInfant nutrition

If the baby is breastfed, the mother should take care of her diet. The lack of hemoglobin in such a baby will gradually be replenished if his mother’s diet contains foods that increase HGB, rich in iron, vitamins B6, B12, B9. For artificially-trained children, special iron-containing mixtures are included in the diet. If the baby is 0-6 months old, the finished mixture should contain at least 3-8 mg/l of iron, and children over six months old are recommended to be given a mixture containing 10-14 mg/l of iron. Such mixtures are also prescribed to prevent anemia in twins and premature infants.

Starting from six months, the child should receive iron-containing foods as complementary foods. These can be vegetable purees, cereals, juices, and some fruits. For children with low hemoglobin, the first complementary foods are introduced, starting with foods rich in iron.

For vegetables, it is recommended to try Brussels sprouts;
from porridges – buckwheat;
when the time comes to introduce meat, you can start with beef, turkey, rabbit;
As a drink, offer your baby compote of dried fruits, as well as rosehip infusion.

Nutrition for children over 1 year old

The child’s diet should include not only foods rich in iron and vitamins. The baby's table should be varied. Here is a list of animal products that increase hemoglobin:

beef, pork, chicken liver;
rabbit, turkey meat;
beef;

Beef dishes are an excellent source of iron

beef heart, tongue, kidneys;
chicken meat;
any fish, especially mackerel, carp;
black caviar;
egg yolk.

You can prepare pates from liver and offal, and serve meat in the form of meatballs and steamed cutlets. It is better to steam or boil fish. Plant foods can also replenish your body's iron stores. It is important that your child’s menu includes dishes from our list:

seaweed;
porridge – buckwheat, oatmeal;
fruits - peaches, apples, pomegranates, apricots, bananas, pears, plums, persimmons, quinces (is it possible one year old child give persimmons to eat?);
berries - gooseberries, black currants, strawberries, cherries, raspberries, cranberries, blueberries;
vegetables – carrots, potatoes, cauliflower, tomatoes, onions, greens;
beans - beans, peas, lentils.

Vegetables can be baked, boiled, or served steamed. Fruits and berries can be eaten raw, or you can prepare compotes, jelly, fruit drinks, and jellies from them. Parents should remember that some foods do not contribute to the absorption of iron, so it is better to exclude them from the menu, or limit their consumption - soy, tea, coffee.

Steamed vegetables are perfect for the dietFolk ways to combat anemia

During the treatment of anemia, you can use and traditional methods fight the disease. However, we note that most of them are suitable for children who are at least 2 years old, as well as those who are not susceptible to allergies. Recipes for medicinal products that you can prepare yourself:

Rosehip infusion with lemon and honey. It is necessary to pour a tablespoon of rose hips into a glass of boiling water and let them brew for 3 hours in a container that holds the temperature well (in a thermos). Then strain, add a slice of lemon and 1 tsp. honey Divide this portion into two doses - give the child a drink in the morning and in the evening.
Juice mixture. You will need freshly squeezed apple, carrot and beet juice in a ratio of 2:1:1. Drink a 200 gram glass once a day. Before use, eat a tablespoon of sour cream.
Sweet mass. For this delicious medicine You will need 100 g of raisins, dried apricots, prunes, walnuts, lemon and a glass of honey. Everything except the last ingredient must be ground in a meat grinder into a homogeneous mass and mixed with honey. This mixture should be given to the child 1 tsp. twice a day. Store it in the refrigerator.
A mixture of buckwheat and nuts. You will need dry buckwheat, nuts and honey in equal proportions. Grind the buckwheat and nuts in a coffee grinder to fine crumbs, then mix with honey. Offer the resulting paste to the child 2 times a day, a teaspoon. It is believed that dark varieties honey is most preferred for the treatment of anemia. It is buckwheat honey that contains maximum amount microelements that have a beneficial effect on the blood formula.

These methods are simple and effective. However, you need to understand that increasing a child’s hemoglobin without consulting a specialist is a dangerous undertaking. This problem may be deeper than it seems at first glance. A good doctor will make a diagnosis based on research and give recommendations for treating the baby. Traditional methods should be considered as an auxiliary way to support hematopoiesis. Let us note that the best helpers in this situation will be a responsible approach to the problem, as well as comprehensive treatment.

Hemoglobin is the main protein of red blood cells, blood cells that carry oxygen to human organs and tissues. Low hemoglobin in the child's blood observed in every fifth case, and the condition that arises in this case - anemia, is especially dangerous because initial stages It does not manifest itself externally in any way, and is most often detected during a routine medical examination. Oxygen deficiency in cells and lack of timely treatment reduce the efficiency of all systems and organs, and also slow down the development of the child’s nervous system.

Causes

A drop in hemoglobin content in a child’s blood can be caused by the following reasons:

Excessively active growth of a child at 6-7 and 14-16 years old often provokes anemia, since during this period the need for nutrients is especially high, and the reserves of microelements, vitamins, proteins and fats do not have time to be replenished.

Signs and consequences

The disease is conventionally divided into two stages:

Initial, in which specific symptoms have not yet appeared, but the child is capricious, does not want to communicate, gets tired quickly, has a decreased appetite, and the mucous membranes and skin are pale. At this stage, the hemoglobin level decreases to 80-100 g/l of blood.
Late, in which fatigue is accompanied by constant dizziness, the child’s behavior is apathetic and lethargic, the heart rate is increased, which is due to the body’s attempt to compensate for the oxygen deficiency. Inhibition of physical and psychomotor development becomes noticeable.

If anemia is not treated in a timely manner or if it is not treated, the following consequences may occur:

Diagnosis and treatment

It is easy to determine a low level of hemoglobin in a child’s blood using a blood test taken from a finger prick. Depending on age, the normal hemoglobin content in children from 6 months. up to 6 years of age should exceed 110 g/l, and after 6 years 120 g/l of blood. To determine the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia with normal hemoglobin levels, studies of iron levels are carried out in order to identify its hidden deficiency.

The method of treating childhood anemia depends on the cause of its occurrence, the age of the baby and the stage of development of the disease:

1. In infants, the cause that provoked anemia is identified, after which a method of increasing hemoglobin is selected:

In case of blood loss, a blood transfusion is performed using the child’s blood or donor material;
Use of iron supplements;
When intestinal diseases are detected, they are treated.

2. With a slight drop in hemoglobin (100-110 g/l), its level is raised by correcting nutrition and consuming ascorbic acid.

3. If the indicator drops to the level of 90-100 g/l, iron-containing preparations are used to increase it, taking into account the age characteristics of the child, as well as the use of certain food products that help restore hemoglobin levels.

4. With a hemoglobin level of 60-90 g/l, treatment depends on general condition child. Typically this is intramuscular injections and oral intake of iron solutions with monitoring of the indicator every 10 days.

5. If it falls below 60 g/l, an emergency red blood cell transfusion is performed, as there is a danger to the child’s life.

Treatment of anemia in children, regardless of hemoglobin levels, is carried out under medical supervision. To prevent anemia, parents should regularly monitor the child’s hemoglobin level and adhere to preventive measures in the form of ensuring proper nutrition and an active lifestyle.

low hemoglobin in a child causes

Low hemoglobin in a child: causes, consequences, treatment.

Low hemoglobin is a condition that is also referred to as “iron deficiency anemia.” Treatment is carried out after examination and agreement with the doctor. If a child has low hemoglobin, the reasons may be different.

Causes of low hemoglobin in infants

Most often, this disorder is associated with anemia of the mother if the baby is breastfed. Therefore, a nursing mother should definitely check her hemoglobin. If a child is diagnosed with minor iron deficiency anemia, this may indicate poor nutrition of the mother.

Due to errors in diet breast milk has a disadvantage nutrients. A nursing mother who is a vegetarian has a high chance of suffering from anemia, since her diet does not contain enough minerals and vitamins.

By adjusting her diet, the mother can restore normal hemoglobin in the child. A nursing mother's diet should include foods that contain a lot of easily digestible iron: chicken bouillon, buckwheat, bananas, meat, pomegranate juice, etc. In advanced cases, doctors prescribe medicines with iron: ferroplex, maltofer, etc.

If a nursing mother’s hemoglobin is normal, then violations should be looked for in the child’s body. In a premature baby, iron utilization may be impaired and significant breakdown of red blood cells may occur. If the mother has adjusted her diet and introduced complementary foods after 4 months, but the child has severe anemia (hemoglobin levels do not reach 90), then the cause may be a hemolytic disease, which will require separate treatment.

Causes of low hemoglobin in preschoolers and schoolchildren

The most common cause of anemia is poor diet. In children under one year of age, hemoglobin may decrease due to a premature transition to artificial feeding. If a mother uses unadapted formulas or replaces breast milk with goat or cow milk, then the baby may have anemia.

In preschool children, hemoglobin most often decreases due to insufficient intake of iron into the body. About 5% of this element is excreted in feces. The same amount should be replenished with food. If the child’s nutrition is incorrect, then this 5% is not replenished. In this case, the body takes iron from stores in the liver. Once these reserves are depleted, iron deficiency anemia begins.

There are options when increased iron consumption occurs. This is especially true for girls during puberty. Menstruation causes blood loss, so girls need extra iron. If a child bleeds frequently, he or she loses iron. In this case, the microelement must enter the body in increased quantities.

What are the dangers of anemia for a child?

Iron in the body performs important functions. It is included in proteins and enzymes and helps transport oxygen. Iron is found in muscles, red blood cells and liver. The liver is considered to be the repository of this element. The most actively used is iron, which is contained in hemoglobin (a protein molecule). Hemoglobin is part of red blood cells.

With a decrease in iron in the body, iron deficiency anemia develops. This disease can lead to mental retardation and mental development. Therefore, if low hemoglobin is detected in a child, parents should take immediate action. To confirm this diagnosis, you need to donate blood for analysis.

Symptoms that indicate a decrease in hemoglobin:

the skin has a pale tint;
cracks appear in the corners of the lips;
brittle and dull hair;
the child becomes lethargic, weak, and gets tired quickly.

What to do if your child has low hemoglobin

Doctors prescribe medications containing iron. This is the most effective method increase hemoglobin. In addition, it is necessary to change the child’s diet. He should eat foods that are rich in iron. The emphasis should be on meat, as it contains a lot of easily digestible iron. The child’s menu should include dishes from buckwheat, peas, and beans. In seafood, fresh vegetables This valuable microelement is also present in fruits.

Signs of low hemoglobin in a child

When the number of red blood cells in the blood decreases, a state of anemia occurs, which is expressed by low hemoglobin levels. For children under 6 years of age, hemoglobin is considered insufficient when it is less than 110 grams per liter of blood, for older ages - less than 120 grams per liter.

In a state of anemia, the child experiences pallor, dry skin, drowsiness, tearfulness, fatigue, irritability, and unstable stool. These signs in children are not specific, and sometimes may be completely absent, so to determine the amount of hemoglobin, you need to take a blood test from a finger prick.

In children younger age low hemoglobin for a long time irreversibly inhibits intellectual, psychoemotional and psychomotor development in older age. In this case, taking iron-containing drugs is ineffective.

Reasons for low hemoglobin in children

Hemoglobin levels may be low due to the following factors:
- insufficient and irrational nutrition;
- low content of iron, animal protein, vitamin B12 and folic acid in the diet;
- abnormal absorption of iron in the gastrointestinal tract;
- blood diseases;
- acute and chronic diseases;
- infection with worms;
- constant reception medicines in large quantities;
- allergic reactions;
- lack of fresh air in winter.

Ways to increase hemoglobin

A healthy child will be helped to cope with low hemoglobin by a balanced diet, including the introduction of foods containing iron, copper and manganese into the diet.

To increase iron levels, your child can be given beef, beef and pork liver, heart, bran, egg yolk, applesauce and buckwheat. Copper is found in seafood and vegetables, and manganese is found in tea, cereals and beets. Together, these three components are found in wholemeal flour and nuts.

If the cause of a decrease in hemoglobin is a disease, it is impossible to cope with a lack of iron, manganese and copper in the blood with the help of food. In this case, medications containing the necessary microelements are prescribed.

To avoid a decrease in hemoglobin, it is enough to regularly monitor it and identify changes. It is also recommended to carry out prevention with drugs containing iron and eliminate the causes that lead to a decrease in hemoglobin.

Low hemoglobin levels are not uncommon. Most often, it is detected when a disease occurs or during a routine medical examination using a blood test. What are the dangers of low hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a compound of iron and protein found in red blood cells. Its main function is to deliver oxygen from the lungs to the body's cells and remove carbon dioxide. The lower the hemoglobin level, the worse the system of supplying organs and tissues with oxygen works, as a result of which they age, wither and cease to fully perform their functions.

Lack of hemoglobin in the blood causes anemia, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition of the body: fatigue, increased fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, sleep disturbances, and depression. Externally, a low level of hemoglobin manifests itself in dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, cracking and pale lips.

Lack of hemoglobin leads to a general weakening of the body, a decrease in protective barriers, and susceptibility to various infections. The immune system malfunctions, even a simple cold can cause serious complications. In some cases, urinary incontinence occurs due to muscle relaxation.

Low hemoglobin levels are especially dangerous for pregnant women. The body requires more iron, which is necessary to provide oxygen to organs and tissues expectant mother and fruit. Hemoglobin drops very quickly during pregnancy and immediately begins to negatively affect the fetus. Due to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), the baby does not receive sufficient nutrition and may slow down or even stop development.

In addition, fetal hypoxia threatens disorders in the cerebral cortex and the nervous system as a whole, and atrophy of various organs and muscles. Therefore, pregnant women should monitor the level of hemoglobin in the blood and, if necessary, urgently replenish iron deficiency in the body.

To maintain normal hemoglobin, you first need to eat right and include in your diet more products, rich in iron: liver, beef, veal, turkey, eggs, wheat flour, buckwheat, legumes, dried apricots, apples, pomegranate, etc. Iron is absorbed better from animal products than from plant products, and in addition, for its full absorption, it is recommended to simultaneously consume vegetables and fruits with a high content of vitamin C.

A healthy lifestyle helps maintain normal hemoglobin levels. You need to walk more, walk in the fresh air, play sports, and relax in nature. However, if and correct mode diet and high physical activity, the level of hemoglobin becomes lower and lower; it is necessary to urgently consult a doctor and start taking iron supplements.

Causes and symptoms of low hemoglobin in a child

Quite often, children are diagnosed with a decrease in hemoglobin levels in the blood. However, this condition does not have pronounced symptoms, so in most cases the diagnosis is made through a blood test. Low hemoglobin is dangerous for a child’s body due to many complications. It is important to diagnose this disease in time and begin treatment in a timely manner. Let's look at why a child has low hemoglobin and what are the main signs of this condition.

Why does my child have low hemoglobin?

Hemoglobin is a complex iron-containing protein that binds to oxygen and transports it to all organs and tissues. Low hemoglobin levels in the blood are called anemia, or iron deficiency anemia.

There are medical standards for hemoglobin in the blood of adults and children. In newborns in the first two weeks of life they are 133-198 g/l, in infants up to four months - 102-140 g/l, in a child of 12 months - 112-140 g/l, from 1 to 5 years - 100-140 g/l, from 5 to 10 years – 112-145 g/l.

The cause of low hemoglobin in a child of the first year of life is most often the anemia of his mother during pregnancy. According to statistics, every second pregnant woman suffers from low hemoglobin. In this case, her body is not able to provide the baby with a sufficient amount of iron, which will be consumed by him during the first year of life. Most babies born prematurely or as a result of multiple pregnancies are anemic.

Another reason for this condition in a baby may be a lack of iron in the diet of a nursing mother. Thus, children of vegetarian mothers, whose diet does not contain enough iron-containing foods, often suffer from this condition.

If the child is bottle-fed, the nursery nutritional mixture should provide it with iron in the required quantities.

Premature transition from breastfeeding artificial can also cause a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the baby’s blood.

The most common cause of low hemoglobin in a child after one year is poor nutrition. If there are not enough foods containing iron in his diet, anemia will develop. In addition, the child's food should contain sufficient amounts of manganese and copper. Manganese is necessary for the human body to synthesize iron. Copper - for transporting iron to the bone marrow for the process of hematopoiesis. Copper is also needed to convert iron that comes from food (inorganic iron) into iron necessary for hematopoiesis (organic iron).

The process of iron absorption and hemoglobin formation is slowed down the following diseases and states:

chronic and acute diseases, especially infectious ones;
allergic reactions of the body;
helminthic infestations;
taking certain medications;
bleeding.

Signs of low hemoglobin in children

In the initial period, anemia in most children is practically asymptomatic. Experts distinguish two stages of development of this disease.

In the first stage (hemoglobin level is 100-80 g/l) there are usually no signs of anemia. Only in some cases does pronounced pallor of the facial skin and mucous membranes appear.

In the second stage (hemoglobin level is less than 80 g/l), symptoms of low hemoglobin in the child appear. The baby develops rapid fatigue, dizziness and dysfunction of some organs. To provide oxygen to the body's tissues, the heart is forced to work faster in order to pump a larger volume of blood through itself. This leads to its weakening. In addition, as a result of decreased immunity, the child is more likely to become infected with infectious diseases.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin in a child also include the following conditions:

tinnitus, shortness of breath;
change in taste, for example, the desire to eat earth, chalk;
lack of appetite;
brittle nails and hair;
dry, flaky skin;
cracks in the corners of the mouth;
frequent constipation or diarrhea;
regular occurrence of stomatitis.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous?

Low hemoglobin in a child early age may cause a slowdown in psychomotor, intellectual and psycho-emotional development.

A decrease in the level of this protein in the baby’s blood leads to a weakening of his immune system. As a result, the child often gets sick, and many diseases become chronic.

You need to know that anemia is often a symptom of many diseases, often quite severe ones. Most often, it may indicate the development of gastritis, enteritis, and dysbacteriosis. Therefore, it is very important to establish its cause, which only a doctor can do.

Basic methods of treating low hemoglobin in a child

In most cases special drug treatment Anemia is not required. You just need to adjust the baby’s diet. You need to make sure that it includes a sufficient amount of iron-containing foods (liver, red meat, buckwheat, beans, beets, pomegranate, nuts, eggs).

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe special iron supplements for the child. For small children, there are dosage forms of such drugs in the form of drops.

If a low hemoglobin level in a child is a symptom of a disease, therapy is aimed at treating it.

In any case, only a doctor can establish a diagnosis and prescribe the correct treatment.

Parents of small children quite often come face to face with the problem of low hemoglobin levels in their baby; on the pages of Internet forums you can find posts full of anxiety: low hemoglobin in a 1-year-old child, what to do, how to treat? What measures can be taken and what medications should be given to the baby to prevent the development of anemia?

What is hemoglobin for?

A low level of hemoglobin is a characteristic symptom of a lack of iron in a child’s body, because hemoglobin contained in red blood cells ensures the transport of oxygen from the lungs to the tissues. Hemoglobin, in turn, is an iron-containing protein that performs its transport function precisely thanks to iron.

In terms of composition, hemoglobin is divided into two parts:

heme is a substance that carries an iron atom and belongs to the group of pigments (thanks to it, blood has a red color);
globin is a special blood protein.

Iron, combining with oxygen, enriches hemoglobin, and it transfers O2 atoms to human cells. Next, an exchange occurs - the blood gives off oxygen, taking in carbon dioxide in return. In the lungs, CO2 is separated from the blood and eliminated during breathing, and the whole cycle repeats.

When there is not enough of this element in the body, the concentration of hemoglobin also drops. Unfortunately, many children are susceptible to this pathology, regardless of age, but more often the problem occurs in babies whose mothers themselves suffered anemia during pregnancy. Among such children, there is a high percentage of young patients with anemia, especially in age group up to a year, this is due to the fact that the mother’s iron-poor body was unable to give the child enough reserves of this substance.

Newly born children have a high hemoglobin level; during the first few days after birth, it gradually decreases, returning to normal, and sometimes falling slightly below that. The latter does not always indicate pathology - the fact is that the child’s own hematopoietic system begins to work, which gradually “starts up” at full capacity, and soon the hemoglobin is normalized.

For young children, there are certain normal hemoglobin levels. So, babies in the first year of life should have 110 grams of hemoglobin per liter of blood, and in the age group from one to three - at the level of 120 grams per liter.

If hemoglobin is low in a one-year-old child, this may indicate that some pathological process is occurring in the child’s body, requiring diagnosis and treatment.

Causes and symptoms of decline

Many doctors recommend paying attention to the diet of a child who is diagnosed with anemia. Inadequate, unhealthy diet, in which there are insufficient microelements and essential vitamins, as well as a lack of fresh air, are highly likely to provoke anemia even in strong and healthy children.

There are also some congenital pathologies accompanied by anemia:

hemophilia;
Randu-Weber-Osler disease;
Crohn's disease;
collagenoses;
food absorption disorders;
vasculitis.

But these diseases are quite rare, and are more often inherited by children from parents whose family already had people with such pathologies.

In general, the causes of anemia in children are usually divided into two main categories:

pathological causes (iron deficiency due to any diseases);
physiological (level fluctuations associated with the process of growth and development of the child’s body).

There is another reason that occupies an intermediate place - anemia in children whose mothers themselves suffered from iron deficiency.

If a child develops anemia, it manifests itself gradually, in two stages:

The initial stage may not initially manifest itself as any ailments or discomfort for the baby. But he begins to get tired faster and is often capricious, sleeps more and is reluctant to communicate with his parents. The appetite of such a child decreases, the mucous membranes and skin become pale. At this stage, reduced hemoglobin is at the level of 80-100 grams per liter;
Late stage. The baby's rapid fatigue persists, and dizziness is added to it. The child's heart rate increases (this is how the body tries to compensate for the lack of oxygen), his behavior becomes lethargic, and most of the time he is in a state of apathy.

How to treat?

If your baby begins to experience even minor symptoms of anemia, you should immediately contact your pediatrician.

The doctor will order a blood test for hemoglobin in the child, and if the result shows a low level, he will give a referral to a hematologist - a specialist in blood problems. Next, depending on the stage of the disease, the specialist will choose a treatment strategy: either outpatient or inpatient.

During outpatient treatment, the doctor prescribes various iron supplements for the child (Totema, Fenyuls, Sorbifer and others). Also, the child’s nutrition is adjusted towards increasing the diet of foods rich in iron, vitamins and other microelements. It is also recommended to walk with your child in the fresh air as often as possible, especially if it’s summer - air, warmth and Sun rays have a beneficial effect on the hematopoietic function of a growing organism.

In addition to prescribing medications, the child’s body is examined for pathologies that can cause anemia. If any are detected, appropriate treatment is prescribed. If the case is severe, the child is admitted to the hospital.

If anemia is not treated, it can cause serious consequences:

atrophy of internal organs and their functional disorders;
problems with the baby's growth and development;
in advanced cases - the development of hypoxic coma and the death of the child.

Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor the condition children's health and consult a doctor promptly if problems arise.

In addition, the prevention of anemia is also important:

If a woman with anemia becomes pregnant, she should take vitamin complexes and iron supplements to prevent a decrease in hemoglobin;
during the period of breastfeeding, a woman should eat a full and balanced diet, introducing iron-rich foods into her diet;
when a child begins to be given complementary foods, the same rule should be followed - give foods with sufficient iron content;
Carrying out regular checks of the child’s blood for hemoglobin, taking preventive courses of iron-containing medications at least once a quarter. One year is very important period in life little man, and here control and early identification of problems are very important;

Of great importance is the identification and treatment of the disease that could cause anemia, and the elimination of blood loss, if any.