Healthy red blood cells are between 90 and 120 days. Body parts removed after old blood cells. A hormone called erythropoietin produced in the kidneys gives the signal to the bone marrow to produce more red blood cells.

Hemoglobin is the protein that carries oxygen within red blood cells and gives them their red color. People with anemia do not have enough hemoglobin.

Possible causes of anemia include:
* Certain drugs
* Diseases such as cancer, ulcerative colitis or rheumatoid arthritis
* Genes (some forms of anemia such as thalassemia, may be inherited)
* RenalInsuficiencia renal insufficiency
* Blood loss (for example, heavy periods or estomacalesúlceras stomach ulcers)
* Poor diet
* Pregnancy
* Problems with the bone marrow, such as lymphoma, leukemia or multiple myeloma
* Problems with the immune system that causes destruction of blood cells (hemolytic anemia)
* Surgery of the stomach or intestines, which reduces the absorption of iron, vitamin B12 or folic acid

* Hemoglobin – blood element whose function is to distribute oxygen from the lungs to body tissues.

* Hematocrit – the measurement of the percentage of red blood cells are in a specific volume of blood.

Often, anemia is a symptom of a disease rather than a disease itself, and usually develops due to the presence of one of these factors:

* Excessive blood loss or hemorrhage
* Insufficient production of red blood cells
* Excessive red blood cell destruction
* Decreased production and excessive destruction of red blood cells

What are the symptoms of anemia?

Most symptoms of anemia occur as a consequence of reduced oxygen in the cells or “hypoxia.” Since red blood cells by hemoglobin, carry oxygen, decreased production or number of these cells result in “hypoxia.” Many of the symptoms do not occur if anemia is mild, because the body can usually compensate for gradual changes in hemoglobin.

Below are the most common symptoms of anemia. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include, inter alia, the following:

* Abnormal paleness or lack of color of skin
* Acceleration of heart rate (tachycardia)
* Shortness of breath (dyspnea)
* Lack of energy or tiring easily (fatigue)
* Dizziness or vertigo especially when standing
* Headaches
* Irritability
* Irregular menstrual cycles
* Absent or delayed menstruation (amenorrhea)
* Sores or swollen tongue (glossitis)
* Jaundice or yellowing of the skin, eyes and mouth
* Increased size of the spleen or liver (splenomegaly, hepatomegaly)
* Delay or delayed growth and development
* Slow healing of wounds and tissue

The symptoms of anemia may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems. Because anemia is often a symptom associated with another disease, it is important that your child’s doctor is informed of the symptoms seen in children. Always consult your child’s physician for a diagnosis.