er to develop a treatment plan.
- Try to make your child's life as normal as possible.
- Remember to also pay attention to other children in the family.
- Work closely with your child’s school to make sure he or she gets what is needed.
- Your child may also qualify for special programs under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
- If your child feels different or alone, find a support group for children with anemia.
Your child should avoid activities that increase the chance of infection or bleeding. These activities include things like the following:
- Staying away from people who are sick
- Eating uncooked foods
- Contact sports (for example, football, hockey, skiing, or rollerblading)
- Traveling to high altitudes (children with a low red blood cell count will have increased fatigue and need for oxygen in high altitudes)
When should I call the health care provider?
Each child is different based on how severe his or her symptoms are and what treatment he or she may be getting. Talk with your child's health care provider about when you should call. For example, you may be instructed to call if your child has:
- Signs of infection, like a fever, or flu-like symptoms
- Bleeding that you cannot control
- Increased tiredness
Key points about aplastic anemia in children
- Aplastic anemia is a serious condition in which the bone marrow does not produce enough new blood cells.
- It may be passed down from the parents or develop sometime during childhood.
- Some symptoms include tiredness, paleness, frequent infections, and easy bruising and bleeding.
- Aplastic anemia is diagnosed with blood and bone marrow tests.
- Treatment depends on the cause. It may include blood transfusions, medications, and stem cell transplantation.
Tips to help you get the most from a visit to your child’s health care provider:
- Before your visit, write down questions you want answered.
- At the visit, write down the names of new medicines, treatments, or tests, and any new instructions your provider gives you for your child.
- If your child has a follow-up appointment, write down the date, time, and purpose for that visit.
- Know how you can contact your child’s provider after office hours. This is important if your child becomes ill and you have questions or need advice.
Online Medical Reviewer:
Freeborn, Donna, PhD, CNM, FNP
Online Medical Reviewer:
Holloway, Beth, RN, M.Ed.
Date Last Reviewed:
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