How do you know if your child has anemia?

The experience of anemia varies with each child. In the beginning, you may not notice any changes. As the anemia progresses, children may become lethargic or irritable and often report felling unwell. The child may look pale and may experience other shortness of breath, headaches, or loss of concentration.

If the symptoms that suggest your child have anemia, tell your doctor of nurse. The only real way to know if your child has anemia is to have a blood test to check their blood cells and specifically their hemoglobin. Depending on your hemoglobin level, your doctors will determine if your child has anemia.

Normal hemoglobin levels vary with the child's age, and the doctor will want to provide the correct interpretation.