Hemoglobin in children 4 years old: normal, pathology, analyzes, physiology, possible diseases and treatment methods

A blood test is the main method for diagnosing many diseases. It includes a large number of indicators, among which hemoglobin occupies a special place. What is the norm in children and what functions does it perform?

Definition

Hemoglobin is an iron-containing protein that is located in red blood cells and plays an important role in human life. Its main function is to deliver oxygen to the tissues and organs from the lungs and to remove carbon dioxide from them. Any changes in its blood level can indicate the development of serious diseases that require immediate treatment. The hemoglobin content in the blood is unstable and depends, first of all, on age.

Norms of values ​​in children

In determining normal values, age plays a large role. The highest hemoglobin level is found in newborns.

For example, the hemoglobin norm in children of 4 years old does not differ in any way from the normal values ​​of a six-year-old child. As they grow older, indicators begin to fall slightly, approaching the values ​​of adults. Until the child reaches the age of twelve, the level can change quite often. For example, the hemoglobin norm in a child at 4 years old may be that which is characteristic of younger children. And this is normal.

The World Health Organization (WHO) hemoglobin standards in children are clearly spelled out. You can find them in the table below.

1. The rate of hemoglobin in children 4 months old can drop to values ​​of 90 g / l. This will not be a pathological condition if other blood components are within acceptable values, and the general condition of the child does not cause concern.
2. At an early age, hemoglobin levels do not differ by gender. For example, hemoglobin rates will be the same for a child at 4 years old for both a girl and a boy.
3. In children at the age of 2 years, as in 1 year, the norm indicators can remain the same.
4. The norm of hemoglobin in children aged 3-4 years does not change much or remains at the same level. In general, until about the age of five, values ​​may periodically change in response to external circumstances.
5. The rate of hemoglobin in children 4–5 years old begins to gradually increase (compared with a younger age) and remains almost unchanged until reaching 12 years of age.

Diagnostics

To determine the level of hemoglobin, a general blood test is performed. To get the most accurate result of the study, you should consider certain factors that can affect the performance.

1. The hemoglobin level decreases in the evening. Therefore, blood sampling must be carried out in the morning on an empty stomach.
2. If the child is lying down while taking blood, the indicators may slightly decrease.
3. Incorrect blood sampling. The actions of the laboratory assistant taking the material for analysis play one of the key roles in obtaining an accurate result. For example, if you press hard on the finger from which blood is taken, intercellular fluid may enter the tube, the presence of which can give an incorrectly low result.

A biochemical blood test can also be prescribed, with which the level of glycated hemoglobin associated with glucose is determined. It is not able to carry oxygen, and its increased values ​​may indicate the development of diabetes.

Reasons for Lower Values

Decreased hemoglobin values ​​in children are a common phenomenon called anemia. The factors that provoke this condition include:

1. Early birth. It is noted that in premature babies the level of hemoglobin is slightly reduced compared to babies born on time.
2. Genetic predisposition. Often the child inherits the deviations of the norm indicators from the mother.
3. Newborn babies who have not had breastfeeding tend to lower their hemoglobin levels. This is due to the fact that with artificial feeding, the baby may not receive the necessary vitamins and minerals, while breast milk is balanced in composition.
4. Lack of iron in the blood.
5. Taking certain medications.
6. Poisoning.
7. In children after diseases, there is a tendency to decrease in indicators.
8. Disorders of the intestines, characterized by problems of absorption of beneficial substances into the blood.
9. Bleeding.

Reasons for increased values

Elevated values ​​in the first month of life are a variant of the norm, if other blood counts are not changed. At an older age, such deviations can be a symptom of various diseases.

The most common factors for elevated hemoglobin values ​​are presented below:

1. High physical activity.
2. Diseases of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The body responds to a lack of oxygen by increasing the production of hemoglobin.
3. Dehydration.
4. Oncological processes.
5. Blood diseases.
6. Bowel obstruction.
7. Lung lesions.
8. Allergy.

A pathological increase in hemoglobin in most cases is combined with an increase in red blood cells.

Symptoms of Enhancement

If hemoglobin is not significantly increased, in most cases this does not manifest itself with vivid symptoms. But if there are signs of a pathological condition, you should consult a doctor as soon as possible.

Symptoms of an increase in hemoglobin are the following conditions:

1. Lack of appetite.
2. Weakness.
3. Headache.
4. High blood pressure.
5. Fatigue and drowsiness.
6. Cramps.
7. The appearance of hematomas on the body of the child.

Symptoms of a decrease in performance

A low level of hemoglobin leads to impaired functionality of the body, and the symptoms of this condition significantly impair the quality of life. At first, deviations from normal values ​​are practically not manifested. Therefore, it is very important to observe your child and consult a doctor if changes in his condition occur.

Signs of a decrease in hemoglobin include:

1. Fatigue and drowsiness.
2. Prostration.
3. Dizziness.
4. The skin is pale, dry. Their cyanosis can be observed.
5. Moodiness and irritability.
6. Violations of the stool.
7. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

Consequences of deviations from the norm

Significant deviations from the norm entail the development of serious complications and disrupt the normal functioning of the body. First of all, the body lacks oxygen, which is a provoking factor in reducing immunity. This increases the risk of developing various diseases.

1. Severe anemia may occur.
2. Blood clotting can lead to the development of thrombosis.
3. Possible pathology of the spleen.
4. Excess iron is deposited in the tissues of the body. This makes their work difficult. This condition is especially dangerous for the kidneys.
5. Increased risk of exposure to infectious diseases.
6. Deviations from the norm in newborns can lead to developmental delays, because with an insufficient level of hemoglobin, the brain will not be able to receive enough oxygen.

Treatment

If the child has any symptoms indicating a pathological level of hemoglobin, you need to contact a pediatrician as soon as possible. Therapy will be prescribed after the diagnosis is confirmed. In most cases, a special diet containing foods rich in iron is used to adjust indicators. Drug therapy may also be prescribed.

Medicines are selected by the doctor individually in each case, taking into account the age of the child, the severity of the course of symptoms and the concomitant disease.

In drug therapy, the following drugs can be used:

1. "Ferrum Lek" - the dosage depends on body weight.
2. "Sorbifer Durules" - is not used in the treatment of children under 12 years old.
3. "Totem" - applicable after reaching the age of three months.

Taking medications should be carried out for several months. A month after the start of treatment, a repeated blood sampling is necessary to confirm the effectiveness of therapy.

With a significant decrease in hemoglobin, iron-containing drugs are administered intravenously. If deviations of the hemoglobin level in the blood were diagnosed upward, treatment will be aimed at eliminating the provoking disease.

During intrauterine development, the child is completely dependent on his mother. Therefore, at the stage of pregnancy planning and throughout the gestation period, it is necessary to monitor the level of hemoglobin in the blood. If there are any deviations in the test results, you should consult a doctor who will draw up an effective treatment plan.

During the period of breastfeeding, the baby receives iron from mother's milk. Therefore, during this period, a woman is recommended to follow a special diet, including iron-containing products. It is also recommended to introduce fish and meat in a timely manner.

Premature babies have a much higher risk of anemia than babies born on time. This is due to the immaturity of a small organism. It is necessary to constantly monitor blood counts. When hemoglobin decreases to critical values ​​(80 g / l), a blood transfusion may be required.

Diet

Diet therapy is not the main method of prescribed therapy. This is an adjunct in drug treatment. Also, some products can be used as a prophylaxis of abnormalities in hemoglobin levels.

The following foods should be included in the diet of a child who has been diagnosed with lower values:

1. Liver.
2. Meat. In particular - beef, veal, turkey, chicken.
3. Fish: burbot, mackerel.
4. Porridge: barley, oat, buckwheat.
5. Greens.
6. Egg yolks.
7. Legumes
8. Rosehip.
9. Berries: cranberries, black currants, strawberries.
10. Vegetables: beets, tomatoes, pumpkin, all green vegetables.
11. Fruits: pomegranate, apples, figs, apricots.
12. Nuts.
13. Juices: pomegranate, carrot.
14. Dried fruits.

Heat treatment does not deprive hemoglobin products, so the products can be consumed in any form.

Hemoglobin reduction is promoted by:

1. Tea.
2. Cheeses
3. Dairy products, as they contain calcium, which interferes with the absorption of iron.
4. Dairy products.
5. Pasta.
6. Squirrels of eggs.
7. Milk chocolate.

How often to donate blood

Deviations from the norm of hemoglobin in children of 4 years and other age categories are not always accompanied by severe symptoms. Therefore, it is important to monitor the condition of the child and plan to visit the pediatrician. Healthy children are recommended to take general and biochemical blood tests 2 times a year. But when changing the general condition of the baby, it is recommended to contact a medical institution as soon as possible to find out the reason.

Conclusion

Hemoglobin plays a huge role in ensuring the normal functioning of the body. Its level in the blood of a child is an important indicator of health and development. Therefore, it is very important to control the blood counts of the child. The most accurate is the determination of hemoglobin in children by age. But since some third-party factors can cause slight deviations from normal indicators, the doctor should deal with the analysis of the analyzes. For example, hemoglobin rates in children 4-12 years old may change due to their excessive physical activity.

As a preventive measure, it is recommended to adhere to a certain diet, walk more in the fresh air and engage in moderate physical activity.