Anemia in baby – to treat or not to treat? How to diagnose it?

Lack of ferrum can become a problem, leading to Iron-deficiency anemia. Especially it is dangerous for children.

What to do? How to define low hemoglobin level and take the measures? What is required for prophylaxis of iron deficiency?

How to diagnose anemia in a child?

Diagnostic of anemia is quite simple and available. General complete blood type will show hemoglobin level and amount of erythrocytes, their shape, size and saturation with hemoglobin

Even if parents consider that everything is fine, and nothing bothers their child, from 6-th to 9-th months he should pass general blood test.

Exceptions are the children fed by the baby formula enriched with the iron.

Do we need to treat anemia or it will pass by itself?

This question always bothers parents. It’s pretty understandable desire to avoid taking of medicines, if it’s possible. Discuss all the moments that worry with pediatrician, who observes your child from his birth.

If we’re talking not about prophylaxis intake of iron, but about therapeutic doses, then, pediatrician should prescribe an iron preparation if hemoglobin level is lower than 110 gram per liter, even if there is no obvious signs of anemia.

Duration of anemia treatment is about 3-6 month. After reaching desired hemoglobin level, dose of iron will be reduced to half (This is going to be prophylaxis dose). Although, treatment course should be continued to enrich organism with required element.