Anemia in infants: what does it mean?

Anemia, or anemia, is one of the most common medical problems in babies. Sometimes underestimated, but able to create big diagnostic and therapeutic problems. It can affect a child of any age. It is very important to recognize it quickly and treat it correctly, especially in infancy. If you are wondering what the symptoms or effects of anemia in an infant may be, or are not sure what tests to do, this article is for you.

Anemia in infants: diagnosis

Performing a simple blood test, which is a complete blood count, allows the identification of anemia in the infant. When assessing the test result, we see a decreased level of hemoglobin concentration or the number of red blood cells, compared to the norms adopted for a given age of the child.

Early diagnosis of anemia in an infant and its appropriate prevention at this age is particularly important due to the effects it can cause. The consequence of long-lasting anemia in infancy may be a worse development of the child's central nervous system and a slowdown in its development.

Infant anemia: symptoms

The neonatal period is a time of rapid changes in the child's body related to adaptation to life outside the mother's body. These changes are also visible in the blood count values. From the second week of the child's life, the hemoglobin concentration decreases systematically. Its lowest value is between 2 and 2 months of age. We call this period first-quarter physiological anemia. Although we use the word anemia, it is usually harmless and does not require treatment.

Iron deficiency in infants

This may be slightly different in breastfed infants. This is because women's food mostly contains a small amount of iron. A normally developing baby, i.e. a rapidly growing and gaining weight baby, who is breastfed may need more iron than is being provided. As a consequence of this condition, the infant's anemia may worsen.

Anemia in an infant: symptoms

What might be the symptoms of anemia in an infant? The first symptom is usually a lower appetite, the effects of which can be seen when the child begins to gain weight more slowly. Further emerging symptoms related to the development of anemia are:

• pale skin integuments, mucous membranes, auricles;
• apathy;
• sleep disturbance;
• sometimes irritability, tachycardia, heart murmur.

The child may also be more prone to respiratory infections then.

What are the causes of anemia in an infant? 

The most common cause of anemia is iron deficiency in infants. It is related to the intensive growth of the child during this period. The correct diet of a nursing mother and a properly expanded infant diet are the most appropriate and easiest way to prevent anemia. Of course, both of these diets must include iron-rich foods.

For children, from the second half of the year, it is important to include egg yolks and various types of meat on the menu. Then there is no need for additional supplementation, i.e. prophylactic iron supplementation.

However, if the infant belongs to one of the risk groups, there is a possibility of anemia, anemia prophylaxis is necessary.

Risk groups speeches anemia is children:

• prematurely born;
• from multiple pregnancies;
• exposed to blood loss in the neonatal period;
• of mothers with anemia during pregnancy.

The cause of iron deficiency causing anemia in an infant may also be its insufficient absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. This happens in allergies, e.g. allergy to cow's milk proteins or celiac disease.

Anemia in an infant: what tests?

Do you know what tests to perform when an infant is suspected of having anemia? In order for your child to be properly diagnosed, it is best to contact your pediatrician. After collecting the interview, he will determine what tests are needed in the case of our baby.

The primary research is peripheral blood count with platelet count and smear. Additionally, we mark:

• serum iron level;
• ferritin level;
• the number of reticulocytes.

A medical consultation helps us to perform the tests that are most needed to assess the child's health and determine the further course of action. When the disease symptoms indicate more complicated causes of anemia in infants, in addition to blood tests, we sometimes perform other tests, such as:

• abdominal ultrasound;
• stool and urine tests.

Infant anemia and vaccination

You are probably wonderingCan a child with anemia be vaccinated? Such a decision is made by the doctor who qualifies for the vaccination.

Anemia in an infant: prevention and consequences 

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of an infant's anemia is very important for the proper development of a child, especially its central nervous system. Therefore, the prevention of iron deficiency anemia in certain groups of infants, the so-called risk groups is an absolute indication and a way to ensure that these children can develop properly.