The content discusses symptoms and causes of blood deficiency in children, emphasizing iron deficiency as a common reason. It suggests a fundamental test, CBC (complete blood count), to determine the extent of the deficiency.
It explains the normal hemoglobin ranges for different age groups and outlines levels indicating deficiency, including severe cases. The summary highlights the importance of consulting a doctor for severe cases and encourages feeding children iron-rich foods to address deficiencies.
In children, low blood count, appearing pale, yellowing of hands, or having yellowish nails, along with pain in the legs, decreased appetite, weakness, and other symptoms like eating dirt or non-food items are all signs that could indicate a deficiency in blood.
There are many causes for low blood count in children, but the most common reason is an iron deficiency in the body. For children to have healthy levels of red blood cells, especially for red blood cell production, a significant amount of iron is required, which is mostly obtained from a good and varied diet rich in iron-containing foods, while they may not consume much solid food.
Often, iron deficiency occurs, especially in children over one year of age who haven’t started consuming a varied solid diet by the age of six months and rely heavily on milk. We’ll now explore a fundamental test through which we can determine if our child has a blood deficiency and to what extent it has progressed.
One fundamental test is the CBC (complete blood count), a simple test that you can have done for your child either at a clinic or even at home, and you can interpret the report at home to see if your child is experiencing a blood deficiency.
How to Detect Blood Deficiency
When you get your CBC report, you’ll find a figure called hemoglobin (HB), which you should look at.
- If your child is under 1 month old, the normal range for hemoglobin is usually between 13.4-19.9.
- At birth, babies typically have good levels of hemoglobin.
- Between 31 to 60 days, the range is between 10.7-17.1, and if it’s below this range, it indicates a blood deficiency.
- For babies aged 2 to 3 months, the normal range should be between 9.0-14.1, and if it’s lower, it signifies a blood deficiency.
- From 3 to 6 months, the range should be 9.5-14.1, and below that suggests a deficiency.
- For babies between 6 to 12 months, the range is 11.3-14.1, and below this indicates a deficiency.
- From 1 to 5 years old, the range should be 10.9-15.0, and if it’s lower, it indicates a deficiency.
- From 5 to 11 years old, the range is 11.9-15.0, and below this suggests a deficiency.
- For children aged 11 to 18 years, the normal range is 11.9-15.0
- for girls and 12.7-17.7 for boys.
| Age Group (Years) | Normal Hemoglobin Range |
|---|---|
| Under 1 month | 13.4-19.9 |
| 1 month to 2 months | 10.7-17.1 |
| 2 to 3 months | 9.0-14.1 |
| 3 to 6 months | 9.5-14.1 |
| 6 to 12 months | 11.3-14.1 |
| 1 to 5 years | 10.9-15.0 |
| 5 to 11 years | 11.9-15.0 |
| 11 to 18 years (Girls) | 11.9-15.0 |
| 11 to 18 years (Boys) | 12.7-17.7 |
If the hemoglobin level is below these ranges, it indicates a deficiency. Additionally, severe blood deficiency is indicated if a child under 5 years old has a hemoglobin level below 7, while for children aged 5 to 11, a level below 8 suggests severe deficiency, and for children aged 12 to 14, a level below 8 also indicates severe deficiency.
If signs of severe blood deficiency are present, such as a hemoglobin level below 7 to 8, it’s crucial to consult a doctor as identifying the cause of the deficiency is essential, and without knowing the cause, treatment becomes difficult.
However, efforts should be made to ensure children consume iron-rich foods, as they are essential for maintaining healthy iron levels.
Also Read: Best Magical Ways to Increase Breastfeed – 10 Effective Diet Plan
Conclusion:
In conclusion, recognizing and addressing blood deficiency in children, particularly iron deficiency, is crucial for their overall health and well-being. Symptoms such as paleness, fatigue, and decreased appetite should prompt parents to consider a CBC test to assess hemoglobin levels.
The provided guidelines for normal hemoglobin ranges and thresholds for deficiency offer valuable insights for monitoring children’s health. Consulting a doctor for severe cases is essential to identify underlying causes and initiate appropriate treatment.
Additionally, ensuring children have a balanced diet rich in iron-containing foods can help prevent and alleviate blood deficiencies, promoting optimal growth and development.
