Dallas
214-456-2382
Fax: 214-456-6133
Plano
469-303-4400
Fax: 469-303-4420
Referrals
Request an Appointment with codes: Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD)
Pediatric anemia (ane·mia) happens when a child’s body doesn’t produce enough red blood cells. Children with bleeding disorders, blood cancers and certain inflammatory conditions often experience anemia.
At Children’s Health℠, our team of experts will pinpoint the exact cause of your child’s anemia and create a custom treatment plan to help them stay healthy and active.
214-456-2382
Fax: 214-456-6133
469-303-4400
Fax: 469-303-4420
Request an Appointment with codes: Cancer and Blood Disorders (CCBD)
A child with anemia doesn’t have enough red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body, enabling your muscles and organs to function properly. This lack of red blood cells can cause a child to feel weak and tired. Some children develop more serious issues like heart rhythm problems.
There are several types of anemia:
A child with anemia may have:
A child with severe anemia may also have these symptoms:
A blood test can:
Anemia in children is often the result of underlying blood disorders, including:
Treatments for anemia vary depending on what’s causing your child’s anemia. Our blood disorders team treats a high number of children with anemia every year, which gives us the expertise to know which treatment will work best for your child.
Anemia treatments include:
An estimated 20% of kids experience some type of anemia during childhood.
Children with iron-deficiency anemia may develop an unusual behavior known as pica, where they crave or chew non-nutritive substances (things that aren’t food). Young children may try to eat dirt, clay or ice. Iron supplements can treat this type of anemia and put an end to pica.
Eating foods high in iron can give red blood cells a boost.
These foods include: