HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Child Is Tired And Eats Only Junk Food. Has Anemia. Explain The Purpose Of Plasma, RBC And Platelets?

default
Posted on Tue, 10 Sep 2013
Question: 4 yr old caucassian female tired all the time only eats pasta, breads, hot dogs and drinks artificial fruit punch. She has an iron deficiency anemia explain the purpose of plasma, red blood cells and platelets
doctor
Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly attach the blood investigation report

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX

Thanks for your query.

If the blood investigation report is available, kindly upload it using a feature on the right side of this query page. So that appropriate management plan can be decided.

1. Plasma contributes to the fluid part of the blood. It acts as a medium for transport of nutrition to body tissues & provides protection against infection with the help of plasma proteins.

2. Red blood cells (RBCs) are those cells present in the blood which carry Oxygen to the body tissues. Decrease in RBCs causes Anemia.

3. Platelets are the small cells present in the blood. Their main function is to prevent blood loss by forming blood clot in case of an injury.

Iron is an important constituent of Hemoglobin (the red pigment present in Red blood cells) which helps in carrying Oxygen to the different body tissues.
In case of Iron deficiency anemia, there is reduction of Oxygen supply to the vital organs.
This explains the continuous tiredness of the child.

As she is only 4 yrs old, her body organs & systems are in the phase of growth & development.
Any obstruction in this process in the form of deficiency in Oxygen & nutrient supply can have long term negative effects.
Moreover, it will indirectly effect the development of brain.

Management depends on the severity of anemia & includes:
1. Dietary measures: Cases of mild Iron deficiency anemia is managed with diet XXXXXXX in Iron such as red meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, etc. along with citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) such as lemon, orange, etc.
2. Iron supplementation
3. Blood transfusion: in case of severe anemia



Wishing your child a Good Health.
Please let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (2 hours later)
how can this be prevented in the future and if not explain why
doctor
Answered by Dr. Polash Sannigrahi (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Dietary iron supplement is mainstay of prevention

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX

Thanks for your follow up query.

Iron deficiency anemia is most commonly caused due to deficiency of Iron in the diet.
And the case history as mentioned in your post regarding the child’s affinity towards pasta, breads & hot dogs substantiate the same.
But there is no need to worry, this can be prevented as well as managed with certain modifications in the diet, such as:

1. Intake of food products XXXXXXX in iron such as egg yolks, red meat, chicken, fish, beans and dark green leafy vegetables.
2. Also include foods XXXXXXX in Vitamin C such as lemon, orange, tomato in the diet. Vitamin C helps in absorption of the dietary iron.
3. Avoid fast foods. They are high in calories and low in vitamins and minerals.
4. Fresh fruit juice to be encouraged instead of artificial fruit drinks.

It takes about three weeks for the appearance of any notable improvement in the hemoglobin status.
So, kindly repeat the blood investigations after one month & let me know about the report.

There is no need to worry, she will be fine.
As the anemic status gets corrected, you can appreciate the improvement in your child in the form of decreased sensation of tiredness or fatigue.

Hope this answers your query. If you have additional questions or follow up queries then please do not hesitate in writing to us.
I will be happy to answer them.

Take care.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Polash Sannigrahi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2011

Answered : 3353 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Child Is Tired And Eats Only Junk Food. Has Anemia. Explain The Purpose Of Plasma, RBC And Platelets?

Brief Answer:
Kindly attach the blood investigation report

Detailed Answer:
Dear XXXXX

Thanks for your query.

If the blood investigation report is available, kindly upload it using a feature on the right side of this query page. So that appropriate management plan can be decided.

1. Plasma contributes to the fluid part of the blood. It acts as a medium for transport of nutrition to body tissues & provides protection against infection with the help of plasma proteins.

2. Red blood cells (RBCs) are those cells present in the blood which carry Oxygen to the body tissues. Decrease in RBCs causes Anemia.

3. Platelets are the small cells present in the blood. Their main function is to prevent blood loss by forming blood clot in case of an injury.

Iron is an important constituent of Hemoglobin (the red pigment present in Red blood cells) which helps in carrying Oxygen to the different body tissues.
In case of Iron deficiency anemia, there is reduction of Oxygen supply to the vital organs.
This explains the continuous tiredness of the child.

As she is only 4 yrs old, her body organs & systems are in the phase of growth & development.
Any obstruction in this process in the form of deficiency in Oxygen & nutrient supply can have long term negative effects.
Moreover, it will indirectly effect the development of brain.

Management depends on the severity of anemia & includes:
1. Dietary measures: Cases of mild Iron deficiency anemia is managed with diet XXXXXXX in Iron such as red meat, poultry, green leafy vegetables, etc. along with citrus fruits (rich in Vitamin C) such as lemon, orange, etc.
2. Iron supplementation
3. Blood transfusion: in case of severe anemia



Wishing your child a Good Health.
Please let me know if I need to clarify further.
Thanks & take care.