What can be done about anemia in my 3-year-old daughter?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 3-year-old daughter has recently been in hospital with a large lump on her jaw where her neck meets her ear. She had some blood work done and was treated with IV antibiotics for 24 hours, then given oral antibiotics for seven days. She went for the follow-up to the general physician, who repeated the blood work after seven days and said she had microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia.

Kindly guide.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Neck swelling can be due to parotitis, or it can be lymph node swelling. Iron deficiency anemia is a very common problem in growing infants. The reason is usually nutritional, either decreased oral intake or decreased absorption of iron from the gut. From your query, it was not clear what you wanted to ask. Kindly specify your question. And please share the detailed investigation reports.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I can understand how you must be feeling. A large lump, along with anemia and raised ALP (alkaline phosphatase level), needs a thorough evaluation. Although ALP levels in children are slightly higher than in adults, the level of 2500 is quite alarming. With normal liver enzymes, ALP levels can be raised in bone disease or in lymphomas. I would advise you to get that specialist appointment as soon as possible.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.