Decreased Production of Healthy Red Blood Cells
Under normal circumstances, the body produces an adequate supply of healthy red blood cells. However, insufficient production can lead to anemia in children. Several underlying factors contribute to this condition, including:
- Aplastic anemia.
- Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
- Chronic diseases, such as kidney failure and other chronic inflammatory conditions.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Long-term dietary protein deficiency.
- Nutritional anemia due to insufficient iron, vitamin B-12, or folic acid intake.
- Congenital dyserythropoietic anemia.
- Thalassemia.
- Bone marrow disorders, such as leukemia, neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, or myelofibrosis.
Blood Loss
Blood loss is often a chronic factor contributing to anemia. The following conditions can cause significant blood loss:
- Gastrointestinal disorders such as ulcers, hemorrhoids, gastritis, and cancer.
- Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like aspirin and ibuprofen, which can lead to gastritis or ulcer development.
- Menstrual irregularities, as heavy menstruation in girls can result in anemia.
Excessive Destruction of Red Blood Cells
In certain situations, the body destroys red blood cells at a rate that exceeds their production. The most common conditions associated with this phenomenon include:
- Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
- Sickle cell disease.
- Hemolytic anemia due to glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency.