There is very little iron in human milk. But in it contains lactoferrin, which just helps to assimilate this gland as much as possible. And after the introduction of complementary foods, it helps to absorb iron from other foods.

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

It is the absence of lactoferrin when feeding children with 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 a lot of iron in artificial mixtures, but it is still poorly absorbed. Therefore, it is important not to stop breastfeeding, even if there is very little milk.

What is hemoglobin?

It is a protein found inside red blood cells. It is needed in order to transport oxygen to the tissues of the body and take carbon dioxide from them. Iron is needed for the synthesis of hemoglobin. If it is not enough, hemoglobin will be produced little. And if there is little hemoglobin, then the tissues of the body will receive less oxygen.

Why does hemoglobin fall?

There are many reasons for low hemoglobin in children. These are anemia as a result of blood loss, and hereditary anemia, and hemolytic. But in most cases iron deficiency anemia. And in infants, the reason for this is low hemoglobin and iron deficiency in the expectant and nursing mothers.

In infants under 6 months of age, anemia is rare. The cause of low hemoglobin in infants may be feeding cow or goat milk. After 6 months, hemoglobin indicators already depend on the timely introduction of high-quality complementary foods.

How does a lack of hemoglobin manifest in a child?

• Paleness of the skin of the baby, pale palms, auricles, mucous membranes.
• Children with low hemoglobin do not eat well. Very often, their appetite not only decreases, but strange taste preferences also take place. For example, babies eat earth or chalk.
• Children with low hemoglobin are inactive, irritable, often get sick, study poorly, and their concentration decreases.
• There is a rapid heartbeat. When a child visits a doctor, a heart murmur is detected.

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

How is the examination of the child?

Of course, the examination begins with the appointment complete blood count, which determines the level of hemoglobin. But to find out if iron deficiency is the cause of anemia, the definition will help serum ferritin levels.

Ferritin is a protein that accumulates, stores iron. Normal ferritin levels decrease with iron deficiency. They also determine the level of serum iron, serum transferrin, the size of red blood cells and a number of other blood parameters.

That is why, in order to diagnose the cause of a decrease in hemoglobin, it is necessary to donate blood in 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 this is a norm or a pathology, since each indicator has its own age characteristics.

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

Standard blood counts

• In newborns he is tall. The 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 figure out the nuances.
• The norm of hemoglobin in children up to a year also different. At two weeks of age, these are the same 165 g / l as in a newborn.
• Hemoglobin decreases at 3 months up to 120 g / l and ranges from 95-145 g / l.
• From 6 months and older, the average hemoglobin value is 120 g / l. But hemoglobin in children under one year old fluctuates normally from 105 to 140 g / l. Such indicators remain up to 6 years.
• From the age of seven the average value of hemoglobin is 130 g / l, and the fluctuations in the norm are from 110 to 160 g / l.

How to raise hemoglobin in a child?

But they underwent examinations and found that low hemoglobin is due to a lack of iron. How to increase hemoglobin in a child without drugs, with food? What to feed? The first thing to be learned is it is impossible to raise hemoglobin with the help of products.

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

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

Nowadays, the problem of anemia in children is very acute. Almost every fifth child suffers from this pathology at an early age. What is anemia or, as it is also called, anemia. This term is called a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

For the time being, this disease does not manifest itself in any way and can only be diagnosed during a routine medical examination, all its insidiousness is that the nervous system of children suffers first of all.

Little patients suffering from this disease lag behind their peers in development, they quickly get tired and hardly master kindergarten wisdom and school subjects.

What is "hemoglobin"

Hemoglobin is a chemical compound found in red blood cells (erythrocytes). It also colors the blood red.

Hemoglobin is made up of two parts:

1. Heme containing an iron atom.
2. Globin is a specific protein.

Hemoglobin performs a transport function in our body. In the lungs, an iron atom binds with oxygen, forming an unstable compound - oxyhemoglobin. With the flow of arterial blood, such enriched hemoglobin enters organs and tissues.

There he gives up oxygen and takes away the decay product - carbon dioxide, forming carboxyhemoglobin. With the flow of venous blood, such hemoglobin enters the lungs, carbon dioxide is split off and excreted from the body, and hemoglobin captures oxygen again. Thanks to this constant process, our body "breathes".

Now let's see why a child's hemoglobin drops?

Low hemoglobin in a child - why do children suffer?

Anemia affects children of all ages, but more often this disease affects newborn children whose mothers suffered from anemia during pregnancy. In such infants up to a year, reduced hemoglobin is detected, since the mother's body did not allow the child to create an iron depot.

Normally, in newborns, the level of hemoglobin is increased, and in the first days of life it decreases to the proper level, sometimes even lower. You should not be afraid of this, since the baby's own hematopoietic organs begin to work, and very soon everything returns to normal. In a one-year-old child, a hemoglobin index of 110 g / l is considered normal.

If hemoglobin is reduced in an older child, then this is a sign of some kind of pathology that should be identified and treated. In children from one to three years, the hemoglobin level should be 120 g / l.

With malnutrition, insufficient content in food of essential vitamins and trace elements (manganese, iron, copper) and insufficient exposure to fresh air, anemia can develop in absolutely healthy children.

Therefore, if your child's hemoglobin has fallen, first of all pay attention to his nutrition.

Small hemoglobin can be observed in such a severe congenital disease as hemophilia, and in other systemic diseases (vasculitis, collagenoses, Randu-Weber-Osler disease, iron malabsorption in the stomach, bleeding, Crohn's disease).

So what are the causes of low hemoglobin?

As a result, all the causes of anemia in children can be divided into two large groups:

1. Physiological (the period of active growth from birth to two or three years and adolescence).
2. Pathological (anemia in various diseases).

An intermediate position is occupied by anemia in children born to women suffering from iron deficiency anemia.

and its indicators we analyzed in a separate article. If you want to know how much the hemoglobin level changes in the first weeks and months of a child's life, as well as what it becomes by adulthood, read our article.

And we consider in detail the decrease in the level of hemoglobin in a newly born baby.

Symptoms and signs of low hemoglobin

There are two stages in the development of the disease:

1. At the initial stage, the disease may not manifest itself in any way. However, the child quickly gets tired, is naughty, is not in the mood for communication, and is drowsy. The appetite of these children is reduced. Skin and mucous membranes are pale. Hemoglobin level 100 - 80 g / l.
2. At a later stage, frequent dizziness is added to rapid fatigue.(an older child can tell about this). The baby is lethargic, lethargic, his heart beats with an increased frequency, trying to make up for the lack of oxygen. There is a pronounced lag in physical and psychomotor development (the child has difficulty mastering skills by age).

Treatment of low hemoglobin in children

At the slightest suspicion of a child's health problem, a pediatrician should be shown. If a blood test shows a low level of hemoglobin in your child, then a consultation with a hematologist is necessary - this is a specialist in the treatment of blood diseases.

As a rule, with the first degree of anemia, an outpatient intake of iron-containing preparations (Totem, Sorbifer, Fenyuls) and a complete balanced diet rich in iron and other trace elements are prescribed.

In severe cases, anemia is treated in a hospital.

Complications and consequences of anemia

• Violation of the normal functioning of internal organs, their atrophy.
• Violation of the process of normal growth and development of the child.
• Hypoxic coma in the absence of treatment.

Prevention of anemia in children

Conclusion

• If a child has low hemoglobin, this is not just an indicator, it is often a sign of a serious illness.
• Decreased hemoglobin in children has reasons that should be taken into account in treatment methods.
• A woman's concern for her health is the key to the health of her future children.
• Good nutrition and a healthy lifestyle are the best way to prevent all diseases.

Do you know in children? If your child has a bloated stomach after eating or even constantly, read our material on children's bellies.

If your baby's stomach hurts on the right, this may be a sign of an exacerbation of appendicitis: This must be able to diagnose at the earliest stages.

Abdominal pain can also signal problems with the kidneys. we talk about one of these problems - nephroptosis.

Video

In a short video (watch from 23 seconds), the doctor talks about the symptoms of low hemoglobin and what foods can effectively increase its level:

Often parents are faced with the problem of low hemoglobin in a child. What to do and is it necessary to take iron supplements? What can inaction lead to? Let's try to figure it out!

Causes of anemia

There can be many objective reasons for low hemoglobin in children. Consider the main etiological factors.

The period of intrauterine development

Low maternal hemoglobin. Very often, women in position have to treat anemia. Sometimes a blood test can reveal false indicators associated with an increase in the total circulating fluid, respectively, the concentration of hemoglobin per unit volume decreases.

But often anemia is true. It usually appears after 15 weeks. Depending on the degree, mandatory treatment is prescribed, since if a mother is diagnosed with low hemoglobin during pregnancy, the consequences for the child can be dangerous.

Firstly, in the period of antenatal development, this can cause. Secondly, after birth, the risks of developing anemia are high.

preterm birth

The optimal time for the birth of a baby is 40 weeks. By this time, all organs and systems become morphologically mature, respectively, and the function assigned to them can be performed to the required extent.

The main causes of low hemoglobin in the blood of a premature baby is the imperfection of the hematopoietic organs.

postnatal period

What should be the age? You will find full information about this issue in a separate article.

hereditary diseases

• sickle cell anemia. Due to a gene mutation, Hb S is synthesized (instead of normal Hb A), red blood cells acquire a crescent shape. Anemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. In heterozygotes, symptoms of low hemoglobin are not expressed. But in homozygotes, the disease proceeds quite difficult. The oxygen-transport capacity of erythrocytes is disturbed, signs of chronic hypoxia come to the fore.
• Thalassemia. It occurs due to point mutations in the genes encoding hemoglobin. As a result, the process of RNA synthesis is disrupted. This leads to a decrease in the formation of one with polypeptide chains. There may be a complete stop of synthesis. As a result, the structure of Hb becomes unstable, the function of erythrocytes is impaired. Hemolysis of red blood cells is the cause of low hemoglobin in newborns.

Causes of low hemoglobin in children by age

Why is low hemoglobin in children of different age categories? Let's consider what are the main reasons that lead to a decrease in the indicator in children of different age groups.

In newborns

Deterioration of the oxygen-transport capacity of blood elements can be observed with:

• hemolytic anemia;
• congenital pathologies;
• anemia in the mother during pregnancy and due to lack of proper treatment.

Causes of low hemoglobin in an infant

• Improper nutrition of the mother (if the baby is breastfed). Up to 6 months there is a physiological decrease in the indicator. Further, the reserves accumulated during the period of intrauterine development are gradually exhausted.
• Untimely. If the baby has a tendency to lower Hb numbers in the blood test, meat products are introduced earlier by 20 days.
• Violation of the digestive system, including.
• hereditary diseases.
• infectious diseases.

Often parents are worried about low hemoglobin in a child at 3 months. Whether there is a need for therapeutic measures or not, the specialist determines, given the level of deviation of the indicator from acceptable limits.

Causes of low hemoglobin in a child aged 2 years and older

• The diet is poor in food sources of iron, copper, manganese, B vitamins;
• diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: gastritis, enterocolitis, duodenitis;
• infections of a viral, bacterial nature;
• malignant neoplasms;
• blood loss;
• poisoning with toxic substances.

Signs of the disease

There are times when parents accidentally discover in a blood test that their crumbs have anemia.

But often a reduced level of this indicator can be suspected by carefully looking at the baby.

So, what should you pay attention to first of all?

• Appearance. If your little one has a pale face, dark circles under the eyes, the red border of the lips is pale pink, you need to take a blood test.
• Behavior. Lethargy, drowsiness, capriciousness, irritability, emotional instability should alert, since all these are symptoms of low hemoglobin in a child.
• Lack of appetite, poor weight gain, regurgitation. Violation of the stool, frequent constipation.
• Reduced immunity against viral diseases.

With 1 degree of anemia (Hb not lower than 90 g / l), there may not be any special signs of the disease. If the whole thing lies in an unbalanced diet, then by eliminating the cause of low hemoglobin, dangerous consequences can be avoided.

With moderate severity in infants, there is a delay in the development of motor skills, tachycardia, dry skin, fatigue.

Severe anemia is manifested by a violation of psychomotor development, a distortion of taste sensations, such children often suffer from colds. On examination, they are diagnosed with an enlarged spleen and liver.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous?

To identify the cause of low hemoglobin and avoid unpleasant consequences, it is necessary to undergo an examination

Oxygen is a necessary substrate for maintaining the vital activity of every cell of the body.

Deficiency leads to serious complications.

Let's consider them in more detail.

• The cardiovascular system. In conditions of reduced oxygenation, compensatory mechanisms are activated. Namely: in order to make up for the lack of oxygen supply, the heart begins to contract more often. tachycardia develops. And this leads to the exhaustion of the heart muscle. The ECG shows a functional systolic murmur.
• Gastrointestinal tract. Digestion is disturbed. Children suffer from frequent flatulence.
• Weak sphincter of the bladder, enuresis.
• The immune system is reduced, the body does not provide adequate resistance against viral infections.
• The skin is dry, and this contributes to the development of dermatological diseases.
• Hair becomes brittle.
• There is a delay in the psychomotor development of the baby.

If the cause of low hemoglobin in a child is identified and excluded in time, the consequences described above can be avoided.

What can and cannot be done with low Hb levels?

Regarding vaccinations, the opinions of experts differ. Some believe that it is absolutely impossible to do them during this period. Others say that it is possible at an indicator level of at least 100 mg / l.

Pediatricians unanimously agree on one thing: before starting vaccination, it is necessary to answer the question why the child has low hemoglobin and only then decide on the advisability of immunization.

It is better to postpone planned surgical interventions until the blood picture returns to normal. Emergency surgery is carried out under strict control of hemodynamic parameters.

Diagnostics

You can detect low hemoglobin in the blood by passing a general blood test. To diagnose the latent form of the disease, in which the blood Hb values ​​are normal, but the reserves in the depot are exhausted, it is necessary to conduct a biochemical study.

Characteristic features will be:

• decrease in albumin;
• a decrease in the content of iron, ferritin in the blood serum;
• increasing the ability of blood plasma to bind iron;
• decreased saturation of transferrin with iron.

In the process of research, attention is also paid to the number of erythrocytes, the concentration of Hb in 1 erythrocyte, and the color index.

Tests are taken in the morning on an empty stomach, increased physical activity is also not desirable.

Therefore, the answer to the question: “if a child has low hemoglobin, what should I do?” - First of all, you need to contact the pediatrician.

Treatment

The most common question is how to increase hemoglobin?

Nutrition correction

Meat complementary foods are best introduced from dietary varieties. This is a rabbit, a turkey.

With mild severity, therapy can be started with nutritional correction..

Let's look at what to eat with low hemoglobin.

As mentioned above, iron is absorbed better from meat products, therefore vegetarian diet is contraindicated here.

Meat complementary foods are introduced earlier by 3 weeks and begin with dietary varieties that contain the highest amount of iron - rabbit, turkey.

Combine with vegetables, fruit juices, purees.

Foods that increase hemoglobin in children include buckwheat, oatmeal, greens, and apples.

Medical therapy

From taking 2-valent drugs, side effects may occur: dyspepsia, vomiting, nausea. 3-valent have fewer side effects

If it is not possible to normalize blood counts by eliminating the alimentary factor, proceed to drug therapy.

Here there are 2 types of preparations: those containing 2-valent and 3-valent iron. Since 3-valent iron is absorbed in the intestines, preparations with 2-valent iron should be taken together with fruit juices or special preparations that contain ascorbic acid.

Iron preparations with low hemoglobin, such as Sorbifer, Hemofer (2-valent), can cause dyspepsia, vomiting, nausea, stain tooth enamel in a dark color.

Trivalent drugs - Maltofer, Ferrum Lek have fewer side effects.

Children are prescribed a daily dose at the rate of 3 mg / kg. But you need to start taking with 3 parts of this dose. If the baby normally perceives the drug, not earlier than after 5 days they switch to the full daily rate.

A month later, they take a blood test again to control indicators. With positive dynamics over the next 2 months, you need to take half the previous dose. If Hb does not rise, it is necessary to change the drug.

About the timing of the treatment of low hemoglobin in a child under one year old, Komarovsky says that it is not worth waiting for a miracle a month after the start of therapy.

If after 1-1.5 months. stop taking iron supplements, the Hb level will decrease again. Treatment should last at least 2.5-3 months, since the necessary reserves are accumulated in the depot for about a month.

Dr. Komarovsky tells more about the problem of low hemoglobin in this video.

With moderate severity, additional preparations with iron are sometimes prescribed in the form of intramuscular injections. The duration of this course of treatment should be no more than 10 days, as a complication may develop - hemosiderosis - iron accumulates in excess.

The indication for blood transfusion with low hemoglobin is a level below 60 g / l. A dangerous condition, as oxygen starvation of the brain occurs, which can lead to irreversible processes. Red blood cell transfusion requires exclusively stationary conditions.

6 basic rules, the observance of which will significantly reduce the risk of developing anemia

1. Complete nutrition of the mother during pregnancy and lactation.
2. Breast-feeding.
3. Timely and correct introduction of complementary foods (meat is combined with foods containing vitamin C).
4. Daily 2-3 hour walks in the fresh air.
5. Eating food rich in B vitamins, as well as trace elements such as copper, manganese. Vitamin B12 stimulates the absorption of iron in the duodenum. Copper also promotes the transfer of Fe from the intestines to the bloodstream, is involved in the conversion of the 2-valent to the 3-valent form.
6. Prevention of malnutrition and rickets.

If a child's blood test showed deviations from the norm, this always causes anxiety. Most often in childhood, changes in the level of hemoglobin are detected, in particular, its decrease. What does a decrease in hemoglobin affect, what is a dangerous low indicator and how to help a child - these questions are important for any parent.

You can correct the level of hemoglobin in the blood of the crumbs with food and iron-containing drugs. What kind of hemoglobin in children is considered low

Hemoglobin is a blood protein found in red blood cells. It contains iron, so due to the lack of iron, the formation of such a protein is disrupted. The main function of this protein is the transport of oxygen throughout the child's body. Hemoglobin gives oxygen to the tissues and takes carbon dioxide from them, which it carries to the lungs.

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

The lower limit of normal hemoglobin levels in children is:

Why does hemoglobin decrease in children

The most common cause of low hemoglobin in childhood is anemia, which is caused by iron deficiency. The well-known 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 crumbs. At an older age, iron deficiency is often associated with the nutrition of the child himself, for example, if he has a vegetarian diet.

The release of Dr. Komarovsky's program on the problem of 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 was provoked by a deficiency of B vitamins (in particular, B12 and B9).
• Acute bleeding, such as from trauma or surgery.
• Chronic bleeding, such as frequent nosebleeds or heavy periods in a teenage girl.
• Crohn's disease and other bowel diseases.
• Hemophilia and other blood diseases.
• Infectious disease.
• Worm infestation.
• Taking certain medications.
• Allergies.
• Tumors.

Reduced hemoglobin in crumbs can be a sign of serious illness Signs of a decrease in hemoglobin

Anemia in childhood is manifested by:

• Pale skin.
• Lethargy.
• Rapid onset of fatigue.
• Weakness.
• Vertigo.
• Drowsiness.
• Nail changes (white dashes and spots appear on them).
• Decreased appetite.
• Sleep deterioration.
• 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, decreased appetite, unhealthy skin color indicates an iron deficiency in a baby. What to do

Having noticed in a child the symptoms that occur with anemia, you need to contact a pediatrician who will send a small patient for a clinical blood test. If low hemoglobin is found in a baby during a routine examination, the child should retake a blood test to rule out a mistake in the laboratory. When the low rate is confirmed, the pediatrician will additionally examine the child to determine the cause of anemia, as well as to select the correct treatment.

The child needs regular check-ups to rule out health problems Consequences of anemia

If low hemoglobin is not detected on 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 of the child's body, including brain tissue.

The consequences of prolonged hypoxia will be a lag in the development and deterioration of the brain activity of the child, as well as disruption of the 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 count:

• If a child has iron deficiency anemia, he is shown iron supplements. They should be prescribed by a pediatrician, choosing the appropriate dosage for the age. Do not give your child any iron supplement on their own. Children with iron deficiency are usually prescribed drugs that are taken by mouth. They are represented by drops or syrup, for example, Aktiferrin, Ferrum Lek Maltofer and Ferronal 35 preparations.
• If the cause of low hemoglobin is acute blood loss, the child may be prescribed a blood transfusion. Also, this procedure is recommended for children with severe iron deficiency anemia.
• At the same time, the doctor will advise you to adjust the child's diet by adding foods high in iron to it, which promotes the formation of hemoglobin in the body. These products include meat (from which iron is absorbed much better than from any plant food), legumes, eggs, offal, cereals, pomegranates, berries, nuts and other products.
• Children with anemia are also advised to take long walks in the fresh air., since the access of oxygen stimulates the formation of red blood cells.

Parents should understand that it is impossible to treat anemia only by changing the child's diet, dietary correction will only help to supplement the treatment.

The opinion of the famous pediatrician Yevgeny Komarovsky regarding the diet during the treatment of anemia, see here:

Prevention

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

• During the period of gestation, the expectant mother must regularly take 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 before birth in the right amount.
• Breastfeeding is important for a newborn after all, iron is absorbed from human milk better than from any other food, even from a quality mixture enriched with iron. This is due to the presence in breast milk of a special enzyme called lactoferrin. By the way, this enzyme helps the child absorb iron from complementary foods, so it is not recommended to complete breastfeeding during the period of acquaintance with new food.
• Complementary foods for infants should be introduced in a timely manner. The advice of pediatricians to acquaint the baby with new products from the age of 6 months is also due to the fact that the iron stores in the baby’s body run out by this age. When introducing complementary foods, it is important to take into account current recommendations, since the early introduction of cow's milk crumbs into the diet is considered by pediatricians as a risk factor for the development of both anemia and rickets.

Taking vitamins while carrying a child reduces the risk of anemia at times

• In the diet of preschool and school children, 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 the child with sufficient physical activity and daily exposure to fresh air.
• To timely identify the risk of anemia, the child should regularly take a clinical blood test. It is best to do this survey once a year.

The child's diet should be nutritious and balanced

The level of hemoglobin in the blood of a child is a variable value. It is important that it does not fall below the limit values. Sometimes the test results raise a lot of questions from parents. What to do if the baby's hemoglobin is low? Is it possible to increase its level at home? What are the consequences if nothing is done? We will talk about all this in order.

The level of hemoglobin in the blood of a child can constantly change

Normal hemoglobin levels

Hemoglobin (HGB) is a special blood protein, the molecules of which are contained in red blood cells - erythrocytes. To begin with, it is worth finding out which HGB readings are the norm. Our table shows the boundary values ​​\u200b\u200bof this indicator, which depend on the age of the child.

HGB levels can fluctuate depending on how physically active the child is and also on their health status. Also, the amount of this protein is affected by the nutrition of the baby, the quality of sleep. If a child does not receive enough vitamins, proteins, microelements with food, moves a little and does not go for a walk, his analysis will be worse - hemoglobin will be underestimated.

Factors Affecting HGB Levels

Low levels of HGB are called anemia or anemia by doctors. The reasons for this diagnosis can be different, they are divided into three main groups:

1. post-transfusion - if anemia is due to blood loss;
2. violation of the production of a sufficient number of red blood cells - erythrocytes;
3. due to 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 have a chronically low hemoglobin level, since blood loss occurs constantly. For example, during gastric bleeding, with hemorrhoids. Babies also sometimes fall into this group. Basically, this situation occurs when a baby up to a 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 excreted during bowel movements, as a result, the level of HGB falls.

The second cause of anemia - a violation of the production of red blood cells - can occur in different cases. We list the main ones:

• Most diagnoses of "anemia" are due to a deficiency of any substances, most often iron. It is important that this microelement enters the body in sufficient quantities along with the products. It also happens that the patient has impaired iron absorption in the small intestine, and this does not allow it to be absorbed at the proper level. 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. We list the possible causes of this condition:

• genetic predisposition. A child can inherit such diseases as a violation of the structure of red blood cells or the structure of a protein molecule - hemoglobin.
• Sometimes the immune system perceives its own red blood cells as foreign, which leads to their destruction. It can be a congenital disease, or it can occur after heart valve replacement, taking certain medications.

The reason for the violation of the selectivity of immunity may be the use of certain medications.

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

• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. 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, properly and fully eating. The root of the problem is that this microelement, as well as vitamins and amino acids, can be poorly absorbed either in the stomach or in the 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 regular blood test speaks eloquently about a decrease in hemoglobin (or anemia). However, it is possible to suspect a similar condition in a person by other symptoms. Signs of anemia, which can be noticed by the person himself, as well as those around him:

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

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

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

Methods for increasing hemoglobin

If the reason for the 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, as well as prescribing appropriate therapy. Consider the drugs that are usually prescribed for this diagnosis, and also tell you why it is worth revising the menu of a small patient.

Drugs prescribed for anemia

The most popular medicines for increasing hemoglobin are preparations containing iron, folic acid, vitamin B12, manganese, copper, and magnesium. Therapy is aimed not only at replenishing iron stores in the body. Taking medications contributes to the fact that the liver accumulates this microelement in sufficient volume. In this regard, the treatment is designed for at least three months, during which the liver has time to replenish its iron stores. The hemoglobin level can rise much earlier, which is not an indication for interrupting the course.

If treatment is required for a baby or a preschool child, drugs that need to be taken orally are preferred, and tablets are not used. Often pediatricians 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 a medicine in the form of chewable lozenges or tablets - Ferrum Lek, Tardiferon, Ferrogradment. 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 former 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, with anemia in children, Maltofer is prescribed in chewable lozenges.

All of the above medicines do their job well. As a rule, after a month, the hemoglobin in a child returns to normal (for more details, see the article: what is the norm of hemoglobin in children of 4 years old?). In this regard, a re-analysis is recommended to be done no earlier than 30 days after the start of the course of treatment. If the therapy does not bring results, it is worth consulting with a pediatric hematologist - Dr. Komarovsky warns about this.

What parents should remember

Not always the diagnosis of "anemia" is made by a blood test in which a low level of hemoglobin is found (see also: how can hemoglobin be raised in a breastfed baby?). Sometimes such a test result is obtained due to incorrect sampling of material for analysis, or in the case when other factors took place. For example, if the analysis was given after breakfast, this protein in the blood will be reduced. Often the doctor asks for a second analysis, or recommends other studies. The diagnosis of "anemia" must be confirmed by a specialist, and the course of treatment is 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 not considered too serious a problem, so products such as hematogen are sometimes trusted to normalize it. It is believed that the bar, which includes bovine blood, will be able to correct the situation. Experts warn - this remedy is not a therapeutic drug and can only be used as an auxiliary.

In addition to iron-containing drugs, a child may be prescribed a course of enzymes, as well as bacteria for the intestines. All this must be taken if there are diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which can prevent the full absorption of iron preparations.

What should be the food?

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

The diet will help if the hemoglobin level is not critically low.

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 artificial children, the introduction of special iron-containing mixtures into the diet is provided. If the baby is 0-6 months old, the composition of the finished mixture of iron should be at least 3-8 mg / l, and children from six months are recommended to give a mixture with an iron content of 10-14 mg / l. Such mixtures are also prescribed for the prevention of anemia in twins, as well as premature babies.

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

• from vegetables it is recommended to try Brussels sprouts;
• from cereals - buckwheat;
• when the time comes to introduce meat, you can start with beef, turkey, rabbit;
• as a drink, offer the baby a compote of dried fruits, as well as an infusion of wild rose.

Nutrition for children from 1 year old

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

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

Beef dishes are an excellent source of iron

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

From the liver and offal, you can cook pates, serve meat in the form of meatballs, steam cutlets. Fish is best steamed or boiled. Plant foods can also replenish iron stores in the body. It is important that the child's menu contains dishes from our list:

• seaweed;
• porridge - buckwheat, oatmeal;
• fruits - peaches, apples, pomegranates, apricots, bananas, pears, plums, persimmons, quince (is it possible for a one-year-old child to eat persimmons?);
• 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, served steamed. Fruits and berries can be eaten raw, or you can cook compotes, jelly, fruit drinks, jelly 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 great for a dietFolk ways to deal with anemia

During the treatment of anemia, you can also use folk methods to combat the disease. However, we note that most of them are suitable for babies who are at least 2 years old, as well as those who are not prone to allergies. Recipes for remedies that you can prepare yourself:

• Rosehip infusion with lemon and honey. It is necessary to pour a tablespoon of rose hips with a glass of boiling water and let them brew for 3 hours in a container that keeps 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 mix. You will need freshly squeezed juices of apple, carrot and beetroot in a ratio of 2:1:1. Drink once a day in a 200-gram glass. 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 twisted in a meat grinder into a homogeneous mass, mixed with honey. This mixture must be given to the child in 1 tsp. twice a day. Keep it in the refrigerator.
• A mixture of buckwheat and nuts. You will need dry buckwheat, nuts and honey in equal proportions. Grind buckwheat and nuts in a coffee grinder until fine crumbs, then mix with honey. Offer the resulting paste to the child 2 times a day for a teaspoon. It is believed that dark varieties of honey are most preferred for the treatment of anemia. It is in buckwheat honey that contains the maximum amount of trace elements that have a beneficial effect on the blood formula.

These methods are simple and effective. However, you need to understand that increasing hemoglobin in a child without consulting a specialist is a dangerous occupation. 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. Folk methods should be considered as an auxiliary way to support hematopoiesis. Note that the best helpers in this situation will be a responsible approach to the problem, as well as complex treatment.

Hemoglobin is the main protein of red blood cells, blood cells that carry oxygen to human organs and tissues. Low hemoglobin in the blood of a child observed in every fifth case, and the condition that occurs in this case - anemia, is especially dangerous because it does not manifest itself outwardly in the initial stages, and is most often detected at 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 in the blood of a child 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 effects

The disease is conditionally divided into two stages:

1. Initial, in which specific symptoms do not yet appear, but the child is naughty, does not want to communicate, gets tired quickly, has a reduced appetite, and the mucous membranes and skin are pale. At this stage, the hemoglobin level drops to 80-100 g/l of blood.
2. 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 lack of oxygen. Inhibition of physical and psychomotor development becomes noticeable.

With untimely treatment of anemia or the absence of it, the following consequences may occur:

Diagnosis and treatment

It is not difficult to determine the low level of hemoglobin in the blood of a child using a blood test taken from a finger. Depending on age, the norm of hemoglobin content in children from 6 months. up to 6 years should exceed 110 g / l, and after 6 years - 120 g / l of blood. To determine the likelihood of iron deficiency anemia with a normal hemoglobin level, iron levels are studied 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 for increasing hemoglobin is selected:

• With blood loss, a blood transfusion is performed using the child's blood or donor material;
• The use of iron preparations;
• 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 using ascorbic acid.

3. When the indicator falls 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 foods that help restore the hemoglobin norm.

4. With a hemoglobin index of 60-90 g / l, treatment depends on the general condition of the child. As a rule, these are intramuscular injections and oral administration of iron solutions with monitoring of the indicator every 10 days.

5. If it falls below 60 g / l, an emergency transfusion of red blood cells is carried out, since there is a danger to the life of the child.

Treatment of anemia in children, regardless of hemoglobin levels, is carried out under medical supervision. To prevent anemia, parents should regularly monitor the level of hemoglobin in the child 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 violation is associated with anemia of the mother, if the baby is breastfed. Therefore, a nursing mother should definitely check her hemoglobin. If a child has a slight iron deficiency anemia, then this may indicate malnutrition of the mother.

Due to errors in the diet, breast milk has a lack of nutrients. In a nursing mother who is a vegetarian, the child has every chance of suffering from anemia, since her diet lacks minerals and vitamins.

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

If the hemoglobin in a nursing mother is normal, then the violations must be sought in the child's body. In a premature baby, iron utilization may be impaired and significant breakdown of red blood cells occurs. If the mother corrected her diet, introduced complementary foods after 4 months, but the child has pronounced anemia (hemoglobin does not reach 90), then the cause may be hemolytic disease, which will require separate treatment.

Causes of low hemoglobin in preschoolers and schoolchildren

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

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

There are options when there is an increased consumption of iron. This is especially true for girls during puberty. Menstruation entails blood loss, so girls need extra iron. If a child often bleeds, then he is depleted of iron. In this case, the microelement should enter the body in an increased amount.

What threatens anemia to a child

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

With a decrease in iron in the body, iron deficiency anemia develops. This disease can lead to a delay in mental and mental development. Therefore, when a child has low hemoglobin, parents should take immediate action. To confirm this diagnosis, it is necessary 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, quickly tired.

What to do if a child has low hemoglobin

Doctors prescribe iron supplements. This is the most effective way to increase hemoglobin. In addition, it is necessary to change the diet of the child. He should consume 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, beans. This valuable trace element is also present in seafood, fresh vegetables and fruits.

Signs of low hemoglobin in a child

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

In a state of anemia, the child has pallor, dry skin, drowsiness, tearfulness, fatigue, irritability, and unstable stools. These signs in children are not specific, and sometimes they may be completely absent, therefore, to determine the amount of hemoglobin, you need to take blood from a finger for analysis.

In young children, low hemoglobin for a long time irreversibly inhibits intellectual, psycho-emotional and psychomotor development at an older age. Reception of iron-containing preparations in this case is ineffective.

Causes of a decrease in hemoglobin in children

Hemoglobin may be low due to the following factors:
- inadequate 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 intake of drugs in large volumes;
- allergic reactions;
- lack of fresh air in winter.

Ways to increase hemoglobin

A healthy child will help to cope with low hemoglobin rational nutrition, including the introduction of foods containing iron, copper and manganese into the diet.

To increase iron levels, a 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 the 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 trace elements are prescribed.

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

Low hemoglobin levels are common. Most often, it is detected when a disease occurs or during a routine medical examination by 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 cells of the body and remove carbon dioxide. The lower the level of hemoglobin, the worse the system of supplying organs and tissues with oxygen, as a result of which they age, fade and cease to fully perform their functions.

The lack of hemoglobin in the blood causes anemia, which leads to a deterioration in the general condition of the body: fatigue, fatigue, drowsiness, headaches, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, sleep disturbance, depression. Outwardly, a low level of hemoglobin is manifested in dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, cracking and pallor of the lips.

The 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 an elementary 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 the organs and tissues of the expectant mother and fetus. Hemoglobin during childbearing falls very quickly and immediately begins to negatively affect the fetus. Due to a lack of oxygen (hypoxia), the baby does not receive enough nutrition and may slow down or even stop development.

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

To maintain normal hemoglobin, first of all, you need to eat right and introduce more iron-rich foods into the diet: liver, beef, veal, turkey, eggs, wheat flour, buckwheat, legumes, dried apricots, apples, pomegranates, etc. Iron is better absorbed 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 to maintain normal hemoglobin. You need to walk more, walk in the fresh air, play sports, relax in nature. However, if even with a proper diet and high physical activity, the level of hemoglobin becomes lower, it is urgent to 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 the level of hemoglobin 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 the child's body with many complications. It is important to establish this disease in time and start treatment in a timely manner. Consider why a child has low hemoglobin and what are the main signs of this condition.

Why does the child have low hemoglobin?

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

There are medical standards for hemoglobin in the blood of adults and children. In newborn babies of 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 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's body with a sufficient amount of iron, which will be consumed by him during the first year of life. Most babies who were born prematurely or as a result of multiple pregnancies have anemia.

Another reason for this condition in infants may be a lack of iron in the diet of a nursing mother. So, children of vegetarian mothers often suffer from this condition, in whose diet there is not enough iron-containing foods.

If the baby is formula-fed, infant formula should provide iron in the required amounts.

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

The most common cause of low hemoglobin in a child after a year is malnutrition. If there is not enough food containing iron in his diet, anemia will develop. In addition, the child's food should contain sufficient amounts of manganese and copper. Manganese is essential 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 the iron that comes with food (inorganic iron) into the iron necessary for hematopoiesis (organic iron).

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

• chronic and acute diseases, especially of an infectious nature;
• allergic reactions of the body;
• helminthic invasions;
• taking certain medications;
• bleeding.

Signs of low hemoglobin in children

In the initial period, anemia in most children is almost asymptomatic. Experts distinguish between two stages in the 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 there is a pronounced pallor of the skin of the face and mucous membranes.

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

Also, the symptoms of low hemoglobin in a child include the following conditions:

• tinnitus, shortness of breath;
• change in taste, for example, desire to eat earth, chalk;
• lack of appetite;
• fragility of 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 young child can 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, many diseases become chronic.

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

The main methods of treating low hemoglobin in a child

In most cases, special medical treatment for anemia is not required. You just need to adjust the baby's diet. It is necessary to ensure that it includes a sufficient amount of iron-containing foods (liver, red meat, buckwheat, beans, beets, pomegranates, nuts, eggs).

If necessary, the doctor may prescribe special iron preparations for the child. For young 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.

Not a single cell in the human body is able to fully function without a sufficient supply of oxygen. Hemoglobin is responsible for the timely delivery of molecular oxygen. According to the chemical structure, it is a complex protein consisting of a peptide part and iron. In addition, the protein is responsible for the process of reverse transport of carbon dioxide: from tissues to the lungs. It is necessary to understand when a child's low hemoglobin is considered a variant of the physiological norm, and when it indicates a deviation. Let us consider in detail the causes of low hemoglobin in an infant or a child from 1 year and older.

As we grow older, the normal content of iron-containing protein changes. So, protein reaches its peak values ​​​​in the first 2 weeks of a newborn baby's life (up to 200 g / l). Then there is a gradual decrease.

Important: in the first year of life, low hemoglobin is the norm. The average value for babies up to a year is from 100 to 140 g / l.

Hemoglobin is of great importance for the health of the newborn. Indicators of low hemoglobin in a child are observed if he has congenital genetic abnormalities or he was born prematurely.

Also, low hemoglobin can be observed with the late introduction of complementary foods, artificial feeding (especially with improper selection of mixtures), malabsorption of trace elements and vitamins in the intestine, feeding with cow's milk, insufficient breastfeeding, as well as in the presence of iron deficiency anemia in the mother, etc. d.

After the first year, the value of the indicator normally begins to gradually increase, up to 10 years, the reference values ​​​​are in the range from 115 to 145 g / l.

During the preparation of the child for the onset of puberty, the work of the endocrine and reproductive systems is restructured. Between the ages of 10 and 12, normal hemoglobin is in the range of 120 to 150 g/l.

From the age of 15, the reference values ​​​​for boys and girls begin to differ. The value of the indicator in girls (115-155 g/l) is somewhat lower than in boys (125-160 g/l).

The indicator is highly sensitive to the impact of external factors, the season, as well as the way and place of life. In people living in highlands (poor in oxygen), the level of iron-containing protein is relatively higher.

Signs of low hemoglobin in a child

In order to determine the cause of low hemoglobin in children, complex laboratory diagnostics are required. By what signs can parents understand that the level of iron-containing protein in a child is less than normal:

• the skin of the baby turns pale and becomes dry, the hair and nails grow dull and quickly break;
• a gray or yellowish complexion is noted;
• cracks and sores appear in the corners of the lips, in extremely severe cases the palms and feet become covered with cracks;
• there is a high susceptibility of the child to infectious diseases due to a decrease in the body's natural defenses;
• lethargy, increased tearfulness and drowsiness, as well as irritability and too rapid fatigue are noted in behavior;
• there is sluggish breast sucking, frequent regurgitation;
• the child is not gaining weight well;
• Also, the lack of hemoglobin affects the digestive system. The baby is worried about nausea and vomiting, problems with the stool. Cases have been noted when, with a lack of iron-containing protein, children showed interest in chalk and lime, starting to chew them;
• young patients are worried about low blood pressure, palpitations and fainting;
• the child may often complain of headache and dizziness.

At the first signs of low hemoglobin, you should immediately contact a pediatrician for a comprehensive examination and selection of competent methods of therapy.

The above signs, despite their multiplicity, are not very specific. They can accompany diseases of various etiologies.

If parents notice a decrease in their child's performance at school for no apparent reason and constant drowsiness, then it is necessary to undergo a laboratory examination. It is important to pay attention to the child, and not write off the decline in academic performance as laziness.

Conducting a study to determine the level of hemoglobin should be carried out at least once a year. After the transfer of infectious diseases (viral, bacterial or fungal nature), a hemoglobin test is also mandatory.

Why is low hemoglobin dangerous in a child?

According to statistics, the incidence of low hemoglobin is much higher than high. According to the World Health Organization, 47.5% of children under 7 years of age have a lack of hemoglobin; in schoolchildren, the incidence rate is 25.5%.

A prolonged lack of hemoglobin leads to an insufficient supply of oxygen to organs and tissues, especially the brain. As a result, the baby may begin to lag behind peers in development. In addition, low hemoglobin is a factor that stimulates the development of pathologies of the heart and kidneys, as well as the immune system and skin.

Patients may be disturbed by frequent infectious diseases, constant weakness, dizziness, fainting, muscle pain, heart rhythm disturbances, itching and dry skin, brittle nails, hair loss, etc.

In the absence of competent methods for correcting the condition, the child may have cardiomyopathy, extrasystole, persistent tachyarrhythmia, etc.

What causes hemoglobin to drop?

iron deficiency

Low hemoglobin in infants and children older than 1 year is often found in iron deficiency anemia. The mechanism of hematopoiesis in newborns is not fully debugged, so even minor external and internal factors influence it. The cause of the disease is the rapid growth of children, while the hematopoietic organs do not have time to produce a sufficient number of red blood cells containing hemoglobin. But the main cause of the disease is the lack of iron ions.

Despite a favorable outcome with proper treatment and selection of drugs, it should be remembered that the disease poses a serious threat to the baby.

Also, a decrease in the rate in children is observed in case of acute or chronic bleeding. It should be noted that immediately after bleeding, the value of hemoglobin will increase, as the hematopoietic organs are trying to compensate for the losses intensively. However, with prolonged blood loss, hemoglobin begins to decline.

Pathologies of protein synthesis

Low hemoglobin in an infant may indicate congenital pathologies in the protein synthesis system. For example, sickle cell anemia is a disease that gets its name from the irregular shape of red blood cells. The iron-containing protein acquires an irregular crystalline structure. What causes changes in the shape of red blood cells: from a biconcave disc to sickle-shaped cells.

There are no characteristic clinical signs at birth of children with sickle cell anemia. The first signs of the disease appear at the age of 3 months in the form of curvature of the limbs and their swelling. Irregularly shaped red blood cells clog small blood vessels, preventing normal blood supply to small bones.

Such clusters of cells dissolve on their own over time. However, until the moment of recovery, the child should be under the supervision of medical personnel in order to alleviate the pain syndrome and early detection of the manifestation of comorbidities.

A common cause of low hemoglobin in infants is iron deficiency in the mother. In this regard, the most important role in preventing the development of anemia in infants is also played by the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in the mother (courses of multivitamin complexes with iron, vitamin C, zinc, folic acid ®, etc. during pregnancy).

Children under 5 years of age are prone to various infectious diseases, so during this period, parents should show increased attention. Puberty in adolescents with the disease occurs much later than their peers. However, after its onset, people with sickle cell anemia do not lose the ability to normally conceive, bear and give birth to healthy children.

Other causes of low hemoglobin in children

Also, low hemoglobin levels can be observed with:

• helminthic invasions;
• malabsorption of nutrients in the intestine;
• chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• stomach ulcer and duodenal ulcer;
• acute infectious pathologies;
• beriberi;
• anorexia;
• following a vegetarian or low-protein diet, etc.

How to increase hemoglobin in a child?

There is no doubt that low hemoglobin in a child at 1 year old and after is a pathological condition leading to an unfavorable outcome if left untreated. TO it is strictly forbidden to independently attempt to correct the lack of iron-containing protein. The lack of necessary knowledge and experience will lead to the wrong selection of therapies, which will worsen the condition as a result. Therefore, the methods discussed below should not be taken as a complete guide to action. Any methods of treatment and their changes must be preliminarily agreed with the pediatrician.

There are 2 methods for correcting a pathological lack of hemoglobin: drug treatment and diet therapy.

Products that increase hemoglobin in children

It is necessary to draw up a balanced diet, which will contain a set of macro- and microelements necessary for a growing organism. Essential foods for a child's diet:

• lean meats and liver;
• egg yolks;
• cottage cheese;
• fruits: apples, pears, persimmons and plums;
• dried fruits;
• nuts;
• vegetables: beets, tomatoes and cucumbers;
• berries: black currant, strawberry, cranberry and gooseberry;
• legumes.

These types of products will allow you to normalize the content of iron, the ions of which are necessary for the construction and normal functioning of hemoglobin. Improving the absorption of iron (due to the content of vitamin C) is promoted by: spinach, lettuce, broccoli, as well as citrus fruits and lentils.

Iron ions will not be fully absorbed without a sufficient content of vitamin C in the child's body. Therefore, you should diversify the diet with wild berries, cabbage, buckwheat, citrus fruits and beef liver.

Newborn babies are shown breastfeeding until at least 9 - 10 months. Breast milk contains the protein lactoferrin, which is necessary for the full absorption of iron at an early stage of life.

Also, according to indications, special mixtures with microelements and vitamins can be additionally prescribed.

For the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in the mother, special mixtures and vitamin supplements are also used.

In addition to a balanced diet with low hemoglobin in children, it is important to create conditions for full physical activity and sufficient exposure to fresh air. The minimum duration of daily walks is 2 hours. The child's sleep should be in a well-ventilated room.

Drugs to increase hemoglobin in children

If the cause of low hemoglobin is iron deficiency anemia, then diet therapy will not be enough. The pediatrician will select the necessary medications and their dosage, which must be observed.

When correcting iron deficiency anemia, it is necessary to restore the normal iron content in the body of a small patient and replenish the reserves of ions in the liver. Which determines the importance of strict adherence to the terms of therapy chosen by the doctor. Otherwise, even if, as a result of the analysis, a normal amount of iron is found in the baby, it will not be enough in the liver. This will lead to the recurrence of the disease.

Preference is given to medicines for internal use. That will allow to raise hemoglobin to the child in the next 2-4 weeks. The likelihood of adverse effects from taking is minimized with the correct dosage.

There are increased requirements for medicines for children. Preparations should have optimal bioavailability for the child's body. It is important that the medicine is safe for the child's body and is well tolerated.

Infants are shown the use of drops and syrups:

• Maltofer ® and Aktiferrin ® (syrup and drops),
• Ferrum Lek ® (syrup).

Patients from 15 years of age are prescribed:

• chewable tablets Ferrum Lek ® ,
• and Tardiferon ® .

The preparations are characterized by optimal absorption in the intestinal tract and good child tolerance. Reception mode: 1 hour before meals - for better absorption of iron ions.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of the selected methods is carried out after 2 weeks and 1 month after the start of the course of drug therapy. The positive dynamics of the increase in the level of iron in the blood indicates the effectiveness of the treatment. The lack of dynamics is a sign of incorrectly selected dosages of drugs or an error in making a diagnosis. In this case, the etiology of anemia should be clarified, perhaps it is not associated with a lack of iron ions.