Ask a 'Childhood Anemia Specialist' Online

A child who does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin is said to be anemic. The types of anemia that can affect a child are iron-deficiency anemia, megaloblastic anemia, hemolytic anemia, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and aplastic anemia. Anemia can be caused by blood loss, increased destruction of red blood cells, less production of red blood cells, some hereditary disease, infections, certain medicines, and lack of some minerals or vitamins. The symptoms of anemia include tiredness, irritability, headache, breathlessness, dizziness, swollen tongue, enlarged spleen, and poor growth. It is treated with the help of vitamin and mineral supplements, iron tablets, blood transfusion, or stem cell transplantation, depending on the type and severity of anemia.