Hello, my name is Cindy. I live in the suburbs of Sydney with my family. Although I would occasionally visit the doctor when I was feeling too good or if one of the children had a cold. However, my whole view on doctors changed when I found a lump on breast last year. I went to my GP in a panic, but he was a real sweetie. He calmed me down and explained he would refer me for a further investigation. Thankfully, they caught my cancer early and after some treatment, I made a full recovery. Since this close call, I have taken a keen interest in everything health related.
It's sometimes hard to tell when teenagers aren't feeling well. Kids at this age don't always communicate well and you may have to play detective to work out if they are feeling off-colour.
For example, if you've noticed that your child hasn't seemed up to par for a while, you may suspect that they have an iron problem and may be anaemic. Problem is, typical anaemia symptoms can also just be written off as standard teenage behaviour; kids with anaemia often lack energy and sleep a lot. They are also often irritable and prone to mood swings. Many teenagers are like this naturally. It doesn't mean that there is anything wrong with them physically. However, some kids may be like this because they lack iron. If you're worried, dig a bit deeper.
Look for Other Symptoms
If your teenager isn't getting enough iron, then they may show other symptoms over and above tiredness and irritability. For example, kids with anaemia are also often pale and pasty-looking. They may complain that they are short of breath sometimes or feel dizzy for no reason.
Look for Changes in Behaviour
If your child has stopped doing active things that they used to like to do all the time, then they may be feeling ill. For example, if your teenager no longer wants to play football or to go cycling with their friends because they say they are too tired, then they may be a bit anaemic.
Also, if your child has started to sleep a lot more than usual, then they should have some get up and go when they are awake. If you think that even a lot of sleep isn't boosting your child's energy levels, then they may have an iron problem.
Look for Changes in Diet
Sometimes, kids lose their appetite when they are anaemic. If your teenager stops eating as much or suddenly becomes disinterested in food, then they may have a problem. Changes in diet also affect iron levels. For example, if your child decides to become a vegetarian or vegan, then they won't get the same levels or types of iron in their diet as they did when they ate meat.
If you aren't sure what's up with your teenager, make an appointment at your medical centre to see a GP. If they suspect your child may be anaemic, they'll take a blood test to check on their iron levels.
Share27 November 2018
