How to Treat Iron Deficiency Anemia in Children and Young Adults?

Posted by swapnil jukunte on October 13th, 2019

Iron deficiency anemia is one of the major concerns in modern medicine. It has been reported that a significant number of people, especially in developing countries, suffer from this ailment. Coupled with the lack of awareness among parents and people in general, iron deficiency anemia often gets overlooked, thus leading to more complicated health issues. Thankfully, modern medicine has invented some simple anemia treatment solutions to overcome iron deficiency anemia in both children and young adults. Let us find out!

What Is Iron Deficiency Anemia?

Iron deficiency anemia is an ailment associated with lower RBC count in blood, resulted in reduced hemoglobin and oxygenation. It is mainly caused by the lack of iron in the bloodstream since iron is the core component of hemoglobin and helps in the maturation of RBCs and transportation of oxygen to different tissues.

What Causes Iron Deficiency Anemia?

In Children, iron deficiency anemia is caused mainly due to the lack of dietary iron in their system. Sometimes, low birth weight and blood loss from wounds also play a contributing factor in propelling this ailment.

In young adults, iron deficiency anemia is caused by reduced iron intake, pregnancy & menstrual complications (in women), ailments affecting the immune system, sedentary lifestyle without minimum physical workouts leading to excess fat and carbohydrate accumulation leading to atrophy, celiac disease (intestinal disorder affecting the small intestine from absorbing essential iron), surgeries involving removal of organs responsible for iron absorption, etc.

What Are The Common Symptoms Of Iron Deficiency Anemia In Children And Young Adults?

In Children, some common symptoms include:

1. Low Appetite

2. Pica (Appetite for non-food items)

3. Breathlessness

4. Rapid Heartbeat

5. Exhaustion

6. Cold Hands & Feet

7. Sore Tongue

8. Hindered Growth

9. Pale Skin

Left untreated, these symptoms are carried forward eventually leading to:

1. Decreased learning ability

2. Lower attention span and alertness

3. Increased absorption of lead, leading to severe lead poisoning in future years

4. Skeletal & Muscular weakness

5. Weaker immune system

In young adults, symptoms of iron deficiency anemia include:

1. Brittle nails

2. Dizziness

3. Pale skin

4. Increased infections & ailments

5. Chest Pain

6. Poor Appetite

7. Extreme fatigue

8. Lethargy

9. Enlarged Spleen

How to Treat Iron Deficiency in Children and Young Adults?

For children, the recommended iron deficiency treatments include:

• Medically prescribed daily doses of children’s iron supplements should be added to the diet of breastfed babies. These iron supplements are available in various flavors and best-suited for babies in general.
• Post breastfeeding phase, the diet should be iron-fortified. Iron supplements for kids should be given with carefully monitored doses, can be continued if the child shows anemic symptoms.
• Bottle-fed infants should be restrained from excess cow milk intake (cow milk dilutes iron content and hinders absorption).
• Sources rich in Vitamin C should be added to their diet (Vitamin C helps in iron absorption).
• Infants after 3years of age should be given iron-rich foods such as red meat, green vegetables, yeast-leavened whole-wheat bread, etc. along with daily doses of iron supplement (only if recommended by the physician).

Young adults can go for the following treatments;

• Ingestion of iron tablets is usually recommended by medical practitioners. It is advised to take doses along with iron-fortified meals since supplements tend to upset the stomach.
• If you’re on antacids, it is recommended that you take iron pills two hours before or four hours after the antacid intake.
• In-case of heavy menstrual flow, it is recommended to take iron pills along with oral contraceptives. This restricts blood loss leading to perpetual anemic conditions.
• Pregnant women should be given intravenous iron, as the body is in a volatile condition in that stage and is prone to ailments associated with iron deficiency.
• It is recommended by most physicians to take stool-softeners along with iron pills, as the latter tends to constipate those under the prescribed dosage.

Final Thoughts

It should be remembered that striking the right balance between iron supplementation, a healthy diet, and dynamic lifestyle habits is crucial in preventing iron deficiency anemia in both children and young adults.