How to increase hemoglobin in a child. Watch the parent for the norm of hemoglobin in the child! What is Hb, the reasons for changes in its level in children up to a year and older High hemoglobin in an infant consequences

For the first time when doing a clinical blood test of a child, parents are faced with the concept of "hemoglobin". The level of this indicator in the blood is constantly changing depending on the age of the baby. But in some cases, deviations from the norm can carry a potential danger. In the article, you will learn about the causes of low and high hemoglobin in children, and what should be the level of hemoglobin depending on age.

Hemoglobin and its main task in the body

Hemoglobin is a special protein found in red blood cells - erythrocytes. In analyzes, it is designated Hb or HGB. This protein is in the blood of every person and has a complex structure. Hemoglobin contains an essential non-protein component called heme. Heme contains iron, and it is this that gives blood its red color.

Important! The main task of hemoglobin is to transport blood gases throughout the body - it combines with oxygen in the lungs, delivers oxygen to those tissues where it is scarce, and in return takes carbon dioxide, also carries it to the lungs; then combines with oxygen again, and so on.

A particularly large amount of hemoglobin and erythrocytes is present in newborns. In a child in the first three days after birth, normal hemoglobin is maximum and amounts to 145-225 g / l. After this period, the decay of "unnecessary" red blood cells begins, which lasts about three weeks, and by 5-6 months, high hemoglobin decreases to 95-135 g / l.

Determination of the amount of hemoglobin in the blood

To find out what the hemoglobin content of a child is at a particular moment, the pediatrician gives an appointment for a clinical blood test. In the course of a laboratory study, the number of blood cells and how much hemoglobin in grams is contained in 1 liter of blood is found out. For this reason, the unit of measure for hemoglobin is grams per liter (g/l).

How is a blood test for hemoglobin performed:

• Blood for clinical analysis is most often taken capillary, i.e. taken from a finger. In rare cases, venous blood is taken for analysis in children;
• Blood test results may vary depending on the time of day when the blood was taken. They also depend on the amount of food eaten before the procedure. For more accurate results, it is recommended to take blood from the baby in the morning and on an empty stomach;
• Sometimes a blood test is done several times in a short time to compare indicators (during illness). In this case, it is important for an adult to ensure the most identical conditions for conducting a study in a child - to take an analysis at the same hours, venous or capillary blood, on an empty / full stomach, etc.

Table with hemoglobin norms in children by age

The level of hemoglobin in children is constantly changing and entirely depends on the age of the baby. The blood of newborns contains more hemoglobin and red blood cells than older children and adults. In the first year of life, there is a physiological decrease in the concentration of iron-containing protein in the blood, which is quite normal for infants. A table with hemoglobin norms will help parents compare the results of a clinical blood test with norms in accordance with WHO recommendations.

On a note! To keep hemoglobin levels under control, the pediatrician prescribes a hematological examination 1-2 times a year for each child for preventive purposes. Children with chronic pathologies donate blood for analysis more often - more than 3 times a year.

The content of hemoglobin in the blood in children under 1 year old (average values)

What is hemoglobin in premature babies?

Babies born prematurely have lower hemoglobin levels than full-term babies. The lower limit of the norm for such a child is 160 g / l. Meanwhile, by 4 weeks of life in a premature baby, the hemoglobin level begins to decrease, while doctors call 100 g / l as the lower limit of the norm by 1 month. When the hemoglobin level is below 85 g/l in children under one year old, the condition is considered critical and donor blood is transfused.

Babies born prematurely are more likely to suffer from anemia than their peers born at term. The reason for this is the insufficient maturity of the internal organs of the child.

Average indicators of hemoglobin content in the blood in children from 1 to 7 years

Some conclusions that can be drawn from this table with norms:

• At 1 year, a clinical blood test should show a hemoglobin result in the range of 110-140 g / l.
• At 2 years old, the hemoglobin norm in most healthy children is at the same level as at 1 year old. It happens that the child is not gaining weight well by this age, is not active, often asks for pens, gets tired. These symptoms may be signs of anemia, so you should consult a doctor.
• Until the age of five, the level of hemoglobin increases slightly, or remains the same. It is permissible to increase the lower and upper limits by 5 units.
• After 5 years, there is an increase in hemoglobin levels, so the results of a blood test will already show numbers of 120-140 g / l.

On a note! By the year, an infant replenishes the reserves of iron and other trace elements that are actively involved in the process of hematopoiesis, thanks to meat and vegetable products. With a sufficient intake of iron in food, hemoglobin after 14-18 months begins to be independently synthesized in the body in the right amount.

6 Factors Affecting Hemoglobin Levels in Children

1. age- in newborns, the maximum concentration of hemoglobin in the blood is observed, which almost immediately after birth is gaining momentum. It is for this reason that the age of the child is indicated in the form of a clinical blood test for a correct assessment of the result;
   

   note! A one-year-old child may have a hemoglobin level of 120 g / l, which is considered normal; at the same time, for a 2-3 month old baby, such an indicator is a clear sign of anemia.

2. Pregnancy and childbirth mom- diseases of the mother's hematopoietic system during gestation, significant blood loss during childbirth, multiple pregnancy and premature birth can affect the hemoglobin level in the baby;
3. nutrition- Breastfed babies are less likely to suffer from low hemoglobin than formula fed babies. Also, one of the most common causes of changes in hemoglobin levels is malnutrition in a child older than 6 months. Long-term non-introduced complementary foods, the absence of meat in the diet, cereals lead to a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.
4. health- significant fluctuations in the level of hemoglobin from the norm often indicate the presence of hidden diseases in the child, thickening of the blood due to a lack of fluid in the body, etc .;
5. Heredity- if one of the parents has had elevated or low hemoglobin throughout life in a normal state of health, then this genetic factor can also pass to the child;
6. Seasons- a slight decrease in hemoglobin in the blood is observed in most children in the autumn-winter period.

All about hemoglobin from Dr. Komarovsky (video):

An increase in the level of hemoglobin is inextricably linked with an increase in the level of red blood cells. When hemoglobin is slightly above normal, doctors usually do not attach any importance to this fact. Elevated hemoglobin in children is often caused by harmless causes - too much iron in the diet or not enough humid air in the room where the child spends most of the time.

You can determine the scale of the problem using a table by comparing the readings of a clinical blood test of a child with an acceptable level of the upper limit of hemoglobin.

Symptoms of high hemoglobin

High hemoglobin in most cases does not reveal itself as any symptoms in the state of health of the child. In rare cases, with a significant deviation of the amount of protein from the norm, there may be a deterioration in appetite, fatigue, drowsiness, frequent headaches and an increase in blood pressure.

Causes of elevated hemoglobin

The most common causes of high hemoglobin in the blood include:

Fluid deficiency in the body

When dehydrated, the blood thickens, causing an increase in hemoglobin. This is possible with ARVI accompanied by fever, intestinal infections with vomiting / stool disorder, excessive sweating, diabetes mellitus, etc.

Diseases of the respiratory system

In chronic diseases of the respiratory system, respiratory failure often develops. The tissues of the body need oxygen, so the number of red blood cells increases significantly to compensate for the lack of oxygen in the body.

Heart failure

Chronic heart failure in children is caused by congenital heart disease and is a common cause of elevated hemoglobin levels.

Diseases of the renal system

In diseases of the kidneys, which increase the excess secretion of the hormone erythropoietin, the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes is kept at a consistently high level.

Blood diseases

In some blood diseases, an increased growth of red blood cells begins, and hemoglobin also significantly exceeds the permissible norm. The same effect is observed in the presence of benign and malignant tumors in the body.

The danger of high hemoglobin in children

A strong thickening of the blood threatens to disrupt the functioning of the internal organs and systems of the body, the formation of blood clots and the deterioration of brain activity. With a constant high level of hemoglobin, excess iron can accumulate in the pancreas, kidneys, liver, which disrupts their work and can subsequently cause pathological conditions of these organs.

What to do with high hemoglobin?

Elevated hemoglobin in children is not a disease, but one of the symptoms of a health disorder. The task of the parents and the pediatrician in this case is to find out the cause of the high hemoglobin content in the child's blood and do everything possible to resolve this indicator as soon as possible.

• In the event that hemoglobin has increased due to an illness, the doctor will prescribe treatment with the use of blood-thinning medications, choosing the correct dosage in accordance with the age of the child.
• If the problem is in the daily diet with a large presence of iron-containing foods, then adults should reconsider their baby's menu, including more fish, legumes, white meat chicken and turkey.

Low hemoglobin in a child

A decrease in the level of hemoglobin and erythrocytes is interpreted by most doctors as an unequivocal sign of the presence of one of the most diverse anemias (iron deficiency, radiation, post-infection, etc.).

Anemia in a young child is diagnosed by a decrease in hemoglobin, depending on the specific age. Depending on the level of protein concentration in the blood, three degrees of anemia are diagnosed - mild, moderate and acute.

Symptoms of low hemoglobin

Anemia in a child rarely goes unnoticed. One or more pronounced symptoms are often observed:

• complete lack of appetite;
• causeless muscle weakness;
• dizziness, fainting;
• pallor of the skin;
• sleep disturbances (drowsiness or, conversely, insomnia);
• dry skin, peeling;
• subfebrile body temperature;
• the appearance of white spots on the nails, etc.

Low hemoglobin in a child - mother's opinion:

Causes of low hemoglobin in children

Low hemoglobin in children is most often the result of iron deficiency anemia.

• Iron deficiency in infants is often triggered by mother's anemia during pregnancy, which prevented the baby from accumulating the required supply of the element in the body.
• In children older than six months, missing the moment of introduction of complementary foods leads to iron deficiency. All reserves of the element accumulated during fetal development are depleted by 6 months; and breast milk and formula do not contain enough iron for full development and growth. As a result, the baby develops a lack of iron, which leads to anemia by the year.
• By the age of five or six, iron deficiency is usually due to an inadequate, unbalanced diet. This is possible if the child refuses to eat cereals, meat dishes, or the whole family follows a vegetarian diet.

Other causes of low hemoglobin in children include:

• acute or chronic blood loss;
• disruption of erythrocyte production;
• hemolytic anemia (destruction of red blood cells);
• acute and chronic diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
• transferred infectious diseases;
• autoimmune diseases;
• taking certain medications, etc.

The danger of low hemoglobin

In a state of anemia (low hemoglobin content), the child's well-being worsens. Organs are in a state of oxygen starvation, because. not getting enough oxygen. A lack of hemoglobin leads to a weakened state of health, susceptibility to frequent colds, and a decrease in immunity. If the problem remains unresolved for a long time, then there is a risk of a delay in the intellectual and / or physical development of the child.

What else you need to know about the hemoglobin of an infant. What to do with anemia:

What to do with a reduced level of hemoglobin?

Only a doctor can determine the presence of anemia in a child based on a clinical blood test. To begin with, the pediatrician must identify the cause of this condition in order to choose the right treatment.

• In case of iron deficiency anemia, the child is prescribed mandatory drugs with iron (Maltofer, Ferronat, Totema, etc.). Reception of medicines is usually stretched for a course lasting 6-8 weeks.
• If an infant's hemoglobin reaches less than 85 g/l in a short time, this condition is assessed by medicine as critical and requires a donor blood transfusion. For babies older than 12 months, transfusion is performed in another case - if hemoglobin has dropped to 70 g / l and below.

Menu to maintain normal hemoglobin

The introduction of complementary foods to infants is the best way to normalize the level of hemoglobin in the blood without the intervention of a doctor. The diet of a child from 6 months to a year must include the following products without fail: lean boiled meat, sea fish fillet, mashed vegetables and legumes. In addition, fresh red fruits, dried fruits (dried apricots, prunes), rosehip broth, compotes from dried apples and pears, as well as fermented milk products (children's cottage cheese, yogurt, bifidok, unsalted cheese) contribute to the absorption of iron.

In the case of iron deficiency anemia, an iron-fortified diet often comes to the rescue.

• For infants under 6 months of age, the daily iron requirement is 0.27 mg/day.
• Infants from 7 months to a year (during the period of increased growth) need 11 mg of iron per day.
• Children aged 1-3 years are recommended to consume foods containing 7 mg of iron per day.
• For children 4 to 7 years of age, the recommended iron intake is 10 mg/day.

The table below shows a list of products that help maintain normal hemoglobin levels.

Note! If the next scheduled examination of the child revealed that hemoglobin in the blood dropped several readings below the norm, parents should not fall into despair. Often, it is the lack of iron intake with food that is the main cause of anemia in children, which means that the normalization of the diet will gradually solve the problem.

Prevention of anemia

Tips to help you avoid childhood anemia problems:

• During pregnancy, the expectant mother needs to take tests on time. This will allow timely detection of a decrease in hemoglobin in blood cells and, if possible, eliminate it. Also, a woman in position should not neglect taking multivitamins, and use them as prescribed by a doctor.
• Mothers should not refuse breastfeeding for no reason either. Iron is absorbed much better from mother's milk than from the most expensive adapted milk formulas.
• During lactation, a nursing mother needs to control her menu, diversify her diet, enrich it with fresh and healthy foods. It is from what the mother has on the table that the baby will receive such important proteins, iron and all the vitamins necessary for hematopoiesis.
• Introduce complementary foods to the child in a timely manner, because by the age of 6 months the child no longer has enough iron accumulated in his body, as well as the mineral that comes with breast milk.
• If the child has begun to introduce complementary foods, you do not need to simultaneously try to wean him from the breast. The enzymes contained in mother's milk will help the baby to properly and fully absorb iron from the new food introduced in complementary foods.
• Cow's milk should not be introduced to children under 12 months of age. Many well-known pediatricians recommend to wait with such a product until the child reaches 1.5 years of age. The use of cow's milk by infants is a risk factor for anemia.
• Children under 2 years of age should not be given black tea as a drink. This is unacceptable, since tea contains tannins that bind iron and do not allow this element to linger in the body.
• Every day and as often as possible you need to spend time with the baby in the fresh air. Walking saturates the lungs with oxygen, and also stimulates the formation of new blood cells.
• Take your child to the pediatrician regularly. Hand over with the baby, if necessary, all the tests prescribed by the district doctor. This will allow timely and in time to identify any errors in the state of health and the hematopoietic system of the baby.

How often do I need to take a hemoglobin test?

In accordance with WHO recommendations, a healthy child should be examined once a year to determine the amount of hemoglobin. In the presence of chronic diseases, children are examined regularly, including repeatedly taking a clinical blood test.

When taking a clinical blood test for hemoglobin, the following nuances should be taken into account:

• The hemoglobin concentration will be lower if you take a blood test from a child in a horizontal position (lying down).
• After eating a meal, the amount of hemoglobin decreases. Also, hemoglobin is observed less when testing in the evening.
• If a healthcare worker applies excessive pressure to a finger when taking capillary blood, interstitial fluid can enter the blood sample and dilute it. Because of this, the hemoglobin result will be 5-7% lower than the actual level.
• In the event that venous blood is taken, and the tourniquet was applied by a health worker for a long time during the procedure, vascular stasis will occur and, as a result, the hemoglobin level will be overestimated.

Any changes that suddenly arise in the state of the baby should alert parents. For example, if the child became unreasonably irritated, capricious, circles appeared under the eyes, or the baby became pale. But you should not arbitrarily sign up for blood donation without a doctor's referral. If you suspect anemia in your child, the first thing to do is contact your pediatrician.

Hemoglobin is a special iron-containing protein that forms the basis of red blood cells (erythrocytes). It is this protein that is able to attach oxygen and carbon dioxide to its molecule, due to which these gases are transported by the blood and gas exchange is carried out.

In the alveoli of the lungs, oxygen is added to the protein and transferred to the tissues of the whole organism, and carbon dioxide is transported from the tissues. This is the main function of hemoglobin. For several reasons, the hemoglobin in a child can be low. Let's talk about how to increase the content of this substance in the baby's blood.

Hemoglobin norm

The normal level of hemoglobin is the range of its quantitative content sufficient to perform the main function. The norm of hemoglobin content differs depending on the age of the child. The hemoglobin level is determined using a clinical study of peripheral blood (blood is taken for analysis from a finger).

Hemoglobin norms in children (in g / l):

At birth - 180-240;

the first 3 days of life - 145-225;

2 weeks old - 125-205;

1 month - 100-180;

2 months - 90-140;

3-6 months - 95-135;

6-12 months - 100-140;

1-2mg. - 105-145;

3-6 l. - 110-150;

7-12 years old - 115-150;

13-15 l. - 115-155;

16-18 years - 120-160.

A decrease in the level of hemoglobin and red blood cells is characteristic for (popularly this disease is called "anemia"). But the amount of blood in anemia does not decrease (if there is no acute blood loss as a result of bleeding). Only the provision of tissues with oxygen is disturbed and oxygen starvation develops in the organs.

Causes of a decrease in hemoglobin levels

The reasons for low hemoglobin in children can be:

• insufficient synthesis of it due to iron deficiency ();
• acute blood loss (for example, due to trauma) or chronic (frequent or heavy periods in girls) - posthemorrhagic anemia;
• increased destruction of red blood cells () due to exposure to toxic substances or in connection with the disease.

Children most often develop iron deficiency anemia.

Iron deficiency can occur for several reasons.

During fetal development, the child's body accumulates a supply of iron (from the mother's body), which is used to synthesize hemoglobin after the birth of the baby, and these reserves are sufficient for about six months.

If a pregnant woman had anemia, then the iron supply in the child will be insufficient, and anemia in the baby will develop already in the first six months of life. An unhealthy diet, infectious diseases, bad habits can contribute to the development of anemia in a future mother.

In the second half of the year, the normal hemoglobin in the baby depends entirely on the ongoing breastfeeding and the correct diet of the mother. Despite the fact that the iron content in mother's milk is low, the ferritin protein contained in it contributes to good absorption (50%) of iron.

Insufficient intake from food is one of the causes of anemia. Since about 5% of iron is excreted daily in the feces, they must be replenished through nutrition. The intensive weight gain of the baby's body during the first year of life increases the body's needs for red blood cells (and, therefore, for iron), but these needs are not met.

Digestive diseases (gastritis, peptic ulcer of the stomach or duodenum, enteritis) and a lack of vitamin B 12 can adversely affect the absorption of iron from the diet.

With artificial feeding, the use of cow's and goat's milk and semolina instead of an adapted milk mixture leads to the fact that iron is no longer absorbed due to its transformation into an insoluble complex. At the same time, the cause of anemia lies not only in the low content of iron in cow's milk and its insufficient absorption, but also in intestinal bleeding caused by the use of unadapted dairy products (due to microscopic seepage of blood from the vessels).

The exact cause of these bleedings has not been clarified. It is believed that intolerance to cow's milk protein by the child's body is important. As the baby grows, these manifestations decrease, and after 2 years they are not observed.

Early introduction of complementary foods and violation of its rules also contribute to the development of anemia.

Symptoms

The manifestation of anemia in a child may be such non-specific signs:

• loss of appetite;
• increased fatigue;
• lethargy, reduced activity;
• increased fragility of nails and hair;
• thinning, dull hair;
• drowsiness;
• painful cracks in the corners of the lips.

On examination, paleness of the skin (with an icteric tint in some cases) and mucous membranes, dryness and flaking of the skin, dark circles around the eyes, and rapid heartbeat are found.

Against the background of anemia, there is a decrease in immunity, the child often gets sick. Moreover, the disease can be severe, with complications. If left untreated, the child will lag behind in both physical and mental development.

Treatment

If the hemoglobin in the blood of a child is low, then the situation should be corrected immediately. It is necessary to contact a pediatrician to determine the cause of anemia and get recommendations. In the case of iron deficiency anemia, nutritional correction alone is not enough, treatment with iron preparations as prescribed by a pediatrician is necessary.

Medical therapy

The goal of treatment for iron deficiency anemia is not only to eliminate iron deficiency, but also to restore the reserves of this microelement in the liver. Therefore, even with complete normalization of hemoglobin, treatment should not be interrupted: the course of therapy with iron preparations should be 3 months, so that a supply of iron is created in the child's body and anemia does not develop again.

In the treatment of children with iron-containing drugs, their internal intake should be a priority. With internal use, the effect is noted 3-4 days later than with injection. But when taking drugs orally, severe side effects rarely develop.

There are strict indications for the appointment of iron preparations in injections:

• extensive removal of the small intestine;
• impaired absorption in the small intestine;
• chronic inflammation of the small and large intestines.

Injectable drugs can be administered every other day, and the first 3 times at half the dose.

Iron preparations used to treat children have the following qualities:

• sufficient bioavailability;
• safety for children;
• pleasant taste properties;
• good drug tolerance;
• convenient forms of release for children of any age.

Babies at an early age usually use medicines in the form of drops or syrup: Maltofer (syrup, drops), Aktiferrin (syrup, drops), Hemofer (drops), Ferrum Lek (syrup).

Adolescents are mainly prescribed Ferrum Lek (chewable tablets), Ferrogradum and Tardiferon, which have a long-term uniform absorption in the intestine and are well tolerated by children.

Preparations with 2-valent iron (salt) should be taken 1 hour before meals, as food may impair the absorption of the drug. The intake of preparations containing 3-valent iron does not depend on food intake.

The result of the use of these drugs will appear only after a month, which will be confirmed by the hemoglobin level in the general blood test. The lack of effect from the course of drugs may be due to inadequate dosage of the drug, or if the diagnosis is incorrect, and the anemia in the child is not iron deficiency.

Side effects with the internal intake of iron-containing agents are more often associated with an overdose and manifest themselves in the form of dyspepsia: this is a violation of the consistency of the stool and its color, nausea and vomiting, and a decrease in appetite. Allergic manifestations and dermatitis may also develop.

Many parents consider the use of hematogen sufficient to raise the hemoglobin level in a child. It is made from bovine blood, which is processed in various ways to ensure safety. Currently, hematogen is produced both without iron and enriched with iron.

Attention! Hematogen is not an anemia drug, it's just a tasty food supplement!

Transfusion of blood products to children with anemia is carried out only for health reasons.

Power correction

Iron is absorbed from food in 2 forms - non-heme (found in plant foods: cereals, fruits and vegetables) and heme (available in foods of animal origin: liver, fish, meat).

Iron is better absorbed in the heme form, the bioavailability of which is about 30%. In turn, products with a heme form of iron contribute to better absorption of iron from plant products, provided that they are consumed simultaneously. Ascorbic acid also contributes to the increase in the absorption of non-heme iron.

The total amount of (heme and non-heme) iron supplied with food should be 10-12 mg per day. But only 1/10 of it is absorbed.

Iron-rich animal products:

• liver;
• beef tongue;
• kidneys;
• rabbit meat;
• turkey;
• white chicken meat;
• heart;
• beef;
• fish of all varieties, but especially carp, mackerel, burbot, black caviar;
• egg yolk.

These products can be consumed boiled, baked, cooked from them pates, casseroles.

Vegetable products also have a significant iron content:

• mushrooms (especially dried);
• seaweed;
• rose hip;
• cereals: buckwheat, hercules;
• fruits and berries: peaches, apples, plums, pears, pomegranates, apricots and dried apricots, bananas, black currants, gooseberries, raspberries, cherries, persimmons, quince, cranberries, strawberries, blueberries;
• vegetables: cauliflower, beets, carrots, potatoes (especially boiled "in uniform" and baked), tomatoes, onions, pumpkin, herbs (dill, parsley, spinach, watercress);
• legumes: beans, lentils, peas.

From berries and fruits, you can cook jelly, fruit drink, compote (from fresh fruits and dried fruits), or you can give the child fresh (depending on age).

Cause a decrease in the absorption of non-heme iron: soy protein, dietary fiber (from cereals, fresh fruits and vegetables), calcium, polyphenols (from legumes, nuts, tea, coffee).

In addition, some substances (phytins, tannins, phosphates) contained in plant products bind with iron and form insoluble compounds with it, which are not absorbed, but are excreted from the intestines with feces. Therefore, it is impossible to meet the needs of the child's body in iron with plant foods.

From breast milk (which contains 0.2-0.4 mg / l), 50% of iron is absorbed, which is enough to meet (along with reserves) the needs of the child's body. By the age of six months, when the baby's body weight doubles, the accumulated iron reserves are also consumed, the increased needs should be covered by complementary foods (vegetable and fruit purees, juices, cereals).

When introducing complementary foods to a baby with a low hemoglobin level, you should start with iron-rich vegetables. It could be Brussels sprouts, for example. You can choose buckwheat for the first porridge, and prepare the first meat food from beef (turkey or chicken). It is advisable to offer such a child a compote of dried fruits and a rosehip broth.

Pomegranate juice for kids should be diluted 1:1 with boiled water to prevent dyspeptic manifestations.

With artificial feeding, children are prescribed mixtures with a high iron content: up to 6 months. - from 3 to 8 mg / l, and after 6 months. - 10-14 mg / l. The pediatrician selects the necessary mixture. For children at risk for the occurrence of iron deficiency anemia (born from twins or triplets, with a large increase in body weight), such a mixture is prescribed from 5 or even from 3 months, and premature babies from 2 months. age.

Do not forget about the correct daily routine. Outdoor walks should be daily and take at least 5-6 hours. Before going to bed, do not forget to ventilate the room well.

These alternative tips can be used in children over 2 years of age if they do not have allergies.

Most popular recipes:

1. Take 1 glass of buckwheat and walnuts, grind everything in a blender (or meat grinder) and add 1 glass of May honey, mix. Keep the mixture in the refrigerator and give the child 1 tsp. 2 times a day.
2. Take dried apricots, prunes, walnuts (peeled), raisins and 1 lemon (with peel) in equal parts, chop thoroughly, mix with a glass of honey, keep in the refrigerator. The child should take 1 tsp. twice a day.
3. 1 tbsp pour 200 ml of boiling water in a thermos, let it brew for 3 hours, strain. Add 1 tsp. honey, a slice of lemon and let the child drink the infusion for 2 times (morning and evening).
4. Mix 100 ml of apple, 50 ml of carrot and 50 ml of beetroot juice. Give the child 1 tbsp. sour cream, and then 1 glass of juice mixture 1 r. per day (you can divide the volume into 2 doses).

Prevention

Prevention of anemia in children includes:

1. Antenatal prophylaxis: it is advisable for expectant mothers in the second half of pregnancy to take ferropreparations or multivitamins enriched with iron for prophylactic purposes.

1. Postnatal prophylaxis:

• breastfeeding the baby to save the maximum possible time;
• timely and correctly introduce complementary foods;
• to ensure a balanced diet for a nursing mother;
• children receiving artificial feeding, from the age of 2 months, introduce (only as directed by a pediatrician) adapted mixtures enriched with iron;
• from the 2nd half of the year, breastfed babies and formula-fed children who do not receive iron-fortified mixtures should take a prophylactic dose of iron preparations up to 1.5 years.
• children from the risk group, which includes babies from multiple pregnancies, premature babies, children with intensive weight gain, preventive intake of iron-containing drugs begins from 3 months.

Summary for parents

Often parents are faced with the problem of low hemoglobin or anemia in a child already in infancy. Before taking measures to increase hemoglobin, you should consult a pediatrician and clarify the type and degree of anemia.

Hemoglobin is a special protein located on the surface of erythrocytes - red blood cells, the main function of which is oxygen transport to the cells of the body from the lungs and carbon dioxide in the opposite direction. In this regard, it becomes quite clear what its shortage is fraught with.

Good to know: With a low level of hemoglobin, organs and tissues acutely feel a lack of oxygen, as a result of which their work is disrupted.

But what then is a dangerous high level of hemoglobin a little unclear. Let's try to figure this out.

Hemoglobin norms in children

Before starting a conversation about deviations from the norm, this very norm should be established. A few decades ago, hemoglobin was usually measured as a percentage, and now in grams per liter. At the same time, indicators characteristic of an adult, namely 160 g / l, were equated to one hundred percent.

In each age group, hemoglobin norms are slightly different.

So, for children who have just been born, the norm is 145-225 g / l, during the first week of life - 135-215 g / l, and in the second - 125-205 g / l.

For a one month old baby 100-180 g / l is considered the norm.

At two months of age the level of iron-containing protein reaches its minimum and is 90-140 g/l. Then hemoglobin gradually rises.

Three months to six the norm of hemoglobin is in the range of 95-135 g / l, and from six months to a year - 100-140.

From one year to two its level is at around 105-145, from three to six years - 110-150, from seven to twelve - 115-150.

Teenagers(13-15 years old) the hemoglobin level is close to that of an adult and is normally 115-155 g/l. By the age of 16-18, hemoglobin indicators characteristic of adults are established, namely 120-160 grams per liter of blood.

What do hemoglobin values ​​depend on?

As it became clear from the above indicators in newborns, the level of hemoglobin is quite high, but such a high concentration is due to the fact that during fetal development, the fetus accumulated various useful substances that came to it with maternal blood through the umbilical cord, including iron. This substance is an important component of hemoglobin, with its participation many processes occur in the human body. So, it is responsible for the state of the immune system, the functioning of the thyroid gland, regenerative processes, and helps to eliminate toxins.

Important: A sharp decrease in the level of iron-containing protein in the future is associated with the rapid growth of the child. If this does not happen, then there is reason to think about the health problems of the newborn.

However, in most cases high hemoglobin indicates a decrease in the volume of blood circulating in the body. This happens mainly during the hot season. Thermoregulation in young children is not perfect and they may lose too much moisture.

Babies replenish fluid loss with fore breast milk, but if it is not enough, then this leads to erythrocytosis - a condition in which blood viscosity increases, which means that the concentration of red blood cells and the level of hemoglobin per unit of blood increases. In older children, a similar phenomenon can be observed after increased physical exertion, while energy consumption increases, and the organs need intensive nutrition.

Good to know: In some cases, high hemoglobin in children and adults can be considered a variant of the norm.

So, if a family lives in a mountainous area, for example, then its members breathe rarefied air, which contains less oxygen. The body of those people who live in megacities and are forced to breathe air with impurities of various gases also reacts.

Important: An increase in hemoglobin may be a protective reaction of the body of a child whose mother smoked during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

What does an elevated hemoglobin level in children indicate?

The principle, the more - the better, is definitely not applicable to the human body. In this case, deviations from the norm, both up and down, can signal the presence of certain diseases. So, if a child has high hemoglobin, then the likelihood of blockage of blood vessels increases, since the inflow and outflow of blood to them is disturbed due to its viscosity.

Good to know: In addition, an increased level of hemoglobin indicates an excess of iron in the body. In this case, some oxidative processes occur that damage living tissues.

Most iron accumulates in the liver, pancreas and heart muscle, which are among the most important organs for normal life. Thus, elevated hemoglobin may indicate the presence of heart or lung failure, kidney problems, as well as cancer, blood pathologies, and intestinal obstruction.

In addition, there are forms of hemoglobin that are unable to transport oxygen, but when it is lacking, the body increases the production of this protein, which only worsens the situation. The level of hemoglobin rises when the immune system, trying to normalize the work of a damaged organ or tissue, accelerates metabolic processes, increasing the flow of oxygen to them.

So, for example, if a child has received burns, then in order to accelerate tissue regeneration, the body will be forced to send oxygen-carrying blood cells to the damaged areas. Consequently, the concentration of hemoglobin in the blood will increase.

What are the signs of high hemoglobin?

If the level of iron-containing protein in the child's blood exceeds the normative values, then he becomes lethargic, gets tired quickly, refuses to eat, he has problems with sleep.

Good to know: The skin of a baby with elevated hemoglobin is usually pale, but red spots appear on them, even hematomas can appear on the body even from a slight touch.

For children in this condition, there are high blood pressure, headaches and joint pain.

However, the presence of these symptoms does not yet confirm that hemoglobin is elevated. To do this, you must submit general blood analysis. Blood sampling should be carried out early in the morning, while the child is calm, since, as you know, various factors, including physical activity, affect protein levels.

How to normalize hemoglobin levels in a child?

It is more difficult to normalize indicators with an increased level of hemoglobin than with a low one, since it is much more difficult to eliminate excess iron than its deficiency.

Important: Taking medications with elevated hemoglobin is not recommended, especially in early childhood.

Since the main source of iron is food, in this situation, as in iron deficiency anemia, special attention should be paid to nutrition, only completely opposite recommendations should be followed.

Please note that foodstuffs may contain heme or non-heme iron, which are absorbed by the body in different ways.
If heme is absorbed quickly, then non-heme, on the contrary, is very slow, so its presence at high hemoglobin levels is preferable. So iron will not have time to be absorbed into the blood. In addition, iron from any foods eaten is absorbed better if they are consumed with food rich in vitamins B2, B6, B12, C and low in calcium and sugar.

Important: It is necessary to limit the presence in the child's diet of foods containing heme iron in significant quantities.

It is necessary to minimize the use of animal proteins, which means that red meat, liver, offal should be removed from the children's menu, you should not give him pomegranates, buckwheat. You can make up for the lack of proteins with the help of legumes, soybeans, chicken meat.

Tip: The basis of nutrition with increased hemoglobin should be cereals, vegetables and fruits.

It is very useful to give the child food of plant origin and fish. Seafood is rich in polyunsaturated acids, which have the ability to thin the blood and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, but they contain heme iron, so they should be included in a child's diet in limited quantities. With increased blood viscosity, fatty foods are also contraindicated. because its use provokes the formation of plaques and blood clots. There are advantages to following such a diet, it teaches the child to eat right, which will save him from many health problems in later life.

As mentioned earlier, an increase in hemoglobin can be triggered by dehydration.

Good to know: Sometimes it is enough to increase the child's drinking regimen so that the consistency of the blood changes, and this indicator returns to normal.

This is true even for infants who are exclusively breastfed. There is nothing wrong with feeding a baby with clean water. In addition, attention should be paid to the humidity of the air in the house where the baby lives. If it is very low, then it makes sense to buy a humidifier or use other techniques and methods to humidify the air, for example, start an aquarium or arrange bowls of water, hang wet towels, ventilation and wet cleaning of the room are required.

When a child takes multivitamin preparations, then if he has high hemoglobin levels, you should also remember the ability b vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid promote the absorption of iron. Naturally, in this case, the composition of multivitamin complexes should not include this very iron and copper.

If there is a connection between deviations in blood counts and increased physical activity, then you should think about reducing their activity. In addition, with a child need to go outside more often, you can take it from the metropolis to the village for a week, where the air is not so polluted. This may be quite enough for the blood counts to return to normal. However, if there are no obvious reasons for the increase in the level of iron-containing protein, then examine the child for diseases associated with the hematopoietic and other body systems.

Elevated hemoglobin levels in a child. Video

Blood is the most important component in the human body and provides many vital processes. It has a complex structure and consists of many elements, the most important of which are hemoglobin, erythrocytes and platelets. For different ages, their indicators of these blood elements are characteristic, and their deviation from the norm may indicate the development of any pathology in a person.

Both hemoglobin and red blood cells with platelets should be regularly monitored by passing appropriate tests. All this fully applies to children, for whom there are normal indicators, a deviation from which can lead to the development of serious diseases.

Elevated hemoglobin

Hemoglobin is mainly composed of iron and provides oxygen to all the internal cells of the body. For children, the norm is considered to be from 90 to 225 g / l, depending on age. In the first year of life, this indicator is higher, but over time it begins to decrease and gradually reaches a mark ranging from 115 to 155 g / l. In some cases, hemoglobin may differ from its normal values ​​upwards, which may indicate some serious pathology.

The only vertebrate creatures on earth that do not have hemoglobin and red blood cells in their blood are ice fish that live off the coast of Antarctica.

A high hemoglobin level in a child may indicate the development of a blood pathology. In addition, attention should be paid to the work of the heart and lungs, since insufficiency may develop in the child's body or congenital anomalies may appear. Also, an increased value of this indicator in some cases indicates obstruction in the intestines. The most terrible diagnosis for a child with a high hemoglobin value is oncological pathologies.

In all of the above cases, the increase in hemoglobin is explained by the fact that the child’s body, with deviations in the work of any organs, begins to work at the limit, while activating all immunity as much as possible. Also, these indicators increase sharply in the case of a severe burn, when the oxygen entering the body is actively involved in the regeneration of damaged tissue.

It is very difficult to determine the increase in hemoglobin in a child without laboratory tests. As a rule, the baby has rapid fatigue and severe drowsiness. His skin becomes pale, and in some places quite strong redness can be observed. The presence of these symptoms in children is a signal for parents to immediately seek help from a specialist.

Simultaneous increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin

The role of erythrocytes in the life of the body is enormous. It is these small blood cells that saturate all cells with oxygen and amino acids, and also ensure the removal of carbon dioxide from them. They are inextricably linked with hemoglobin, and their norm for children can be considered indicators ranging from 3.6 to 5.6x1012 / l, while it should be borne in mind that in newborns it is slightly higher, but gradually decreases with age. A simultaneous increase in hemoglobin and red blood cells in a child may indicate disorders in blood circulation.

Erythrocytosis, viscous blood and impaired oxygen metabolism:

Studies have shown that in most people on Earth, red blood cells are made up of hemoglobin A, but in a small number of the population this element is made up of hemoglobin S.

With an increase in these indicators, blood thickens due to dehydration.. In addition, a simultaneous increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin may indicate pulmonary insufficiency, as well as congenital heart defects. These indicators also grow with long-term adaptation of the child's body to any specific conditions.

It is customary for doctors to divide the increase in red blood cells and hemoglobin into absolute and relative. In the first case, Vex's disease can develop, and, accordingly, chronic leukemia. In turn, a relative increase is considered to be a pathological condition that can develop due to a decrease in the total plasma volume.

Simultaneous increase in hemoglobin and platelets in children

Another important component of blood is platelets, which are small non-nuclear cells. In children, the indicator of this element should be in the range from 100 to 450 thousand units / μl, depending on age. Platelets, along with hemoglobin, are the constituent elements of the blood, and their simultaneous increase should alert the baby's parents.

An increase in platelets, as a rule, leads to an increase in hemoglobin. This can happen if an infection enters the body or when an inflammatory process begins in the body. Growing tumors, including oncological ones, also affect the increase in these indicators. An increase in platelets and hemoglobin in a child can also occur after taking certain medications, such as corticosteroids.

To make an accurate diagnosis, it is important for a doctor to consider both of these indicators.. As a rule, with a simultaneous increase in platelets and hemoglobin, blood thickens, which is a consequence of dehydration. This pathological condition is dangerous because it can develop

Hemoglobin is a complex iron-containing protein. Its main function is to transport oxygen directly to tissue cells. Both low and high hemoglobin in a child is often one of the signs of a fairly serious illness. Therefore, it is necessary to take a blood test and control the level of hemoglobin at least once a year.

The amount of iron-containing protein in the blood serum of children of different ages differs significantly. Given the level of hemoglobin, the pediatrician can judge the general health of the baby.

Indicators of the norm of hemoglobin in children

Each mother who has received the results of her child's blood test seeks to decipher it even before coming to the doctor. But not everyone takes into account that the indicators directly depend on the age of the baby. Therefore, the same data in a certain period can be considered the norm, and in another - be regarded as low or high hemoglobin in a child.

Normative values ​​of hemoglobin in accordance with childhood:

• From 1 to 3 days - 145-225 g / l;
• 1 week - 135-215 g / l;
• 2 weeks - 125-205 g / l;
• 1 month - 100-180 g / l;
• 2 months - 90-140 g / l;
• From 3 to 6 months - 95-135 g / l;
• From 6 to 12 months - 100-140 g / l;
• From 1 year to 3 years - 105-145 g / l;
• From 3 to 6 years - 110-150 g / l;
• From 7 to 12 years - 115-150 g / l;
• From 12 to 15 years old - 118-155 g / l.

If a child's hemoglobin is higher than normal, this indicates an excess of red blood cells. As a result, normal blood circulation is disturbed, which can cause serious diseases. Too high an indicator is an alarming sign of a health disorder. In order to diagnose the disease of the child, it is necessary to comprehensively examine.

Having determined the provoking factor for increasing the iron-containing protein in the blood, the doctor prescribes treatment according to the underlying disease.

Causes of high hemoglobin in a child

Hemoglobin is part of the erythrocytes, its excess leads to impaired circulation in the circulatory system, which primarily affects blood clotting. In addition, high hemoglobin in a child is a sign of quite serious diseases, such as:

• congenital heart disease;
• Cardiopulmonary failure;
• Pulmonary fibrosis;
• True polycythemia (tumor process of the circulatory system);
• Intestinal obstruction;
• Oncological diseases;
• Disorders associated with an excess of the hormone of the kidneys - erythropoietin.

If the human body suffers from a disease, then all internal resources are mobilized to fight it. So, red blood cells are designed to improve the functioning of a diseased organ by providing it with increased oxygen. For example, with a severe burn, a sharp temporary increase in hemoglobin is observed. Oxygen delivered by the blood contributes to the restoration of damaged tissues.

Elevated levels of hemoglobin in the blood of a child are observed with increased physical exertion; exceeding the standard values ​​is also possible in the case of a baby living in a mountainous area. But then this fact is not considered anomalous.

As you can see, there are a lot of reasons for high hemoglobin in a child, and not all of them are symptoms of a serious illness. So don't panic right away. For an adequate assessment of the situation, you should contact a specialist and, if necessary, conduct a complete examination of the baby.

Signs of high hemoglobin in a child

Any deviation in the state of health has external manifestations. So, if a child has high hemoglobin, the following symptoms are observed:

• Drowsiness;
• Fast fatiguability;
• Redness of the skin.

The presence of such symptoms in a baby does not mean that iron-containing protein has increased in his blood. However, you need to see a doctor. Only a specialist through examination can determine the cause of the child's illness.
If you received an analysis result in which the hemoglobin index is too high, then you need to do a second study. It should be done early in the morning, in a calm state, because, as a rule, after outdoor games, the level of protein in the blood rises.

How to lower hemoglobin in a child

If a child has high hemoglobin, then first of all it is necessary to establish proper nutrition. This is a prerequisite for recovery. Food containing iron should be excluded from the child's diet. These products include:

• Buckwheat;
• Liver;
• grenades,
• Berries, fruits and vegetables of red color, etc.

The daily menu should include fish, various seafood, cereals and plant foods that do not contain iron. Legumes, soy and chicken meat with such a diet can make up for the lack of protein. 4.6 out of 5 (34 votes)