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Question: possible milk consumption iron-deficiency anemia
| Amanda Branham
- Fri Mar 30, 2007 1:22 pm |
Hi, I'm writing regarding my 18month old son. He had a normal, healthy
pregnancy and birth. About two months ago, my son became ill with what
seemed to be a cold that would not go away. After three weeks of a
cold it turned into RSV, followed by 2 ear infections. My son was treated
with Amoxicillin, which he has taken for his past 5 ear infections,
with no complications. Three weeks after the ear infection he began
Vomiting. The Vomiting started off as once a day. He then began Vomiting
several times a day. He vomited for 11 days. He ended up losing 3 pound
over this month and a half period. The doctors were stating that the
Vomiting was Antibiotic associated. Although he had not had any meds
for over 3 weeks. Following my gut I took him to the ER for a second
opinion. They found a "poop ball" from a x-ray. They prescribed an
enema. The Vomiting continued with Diarrhea, for a total of eleven days.
We wer ethen refered to an ENT specialist for possible large
abnoids, chronic ear infections. The ENT feels that the Vomiting was
NOT caused by any ENT problem. So that is why I am writing you. I
have exhausted the doctors looking for an answer. However I read
something on your site about milk consumption iron deficiency Anemia. My son
LOVES his milk. AT our WIC appointment, his iron was low. This now
leads me to believe he might be anemic. Do any of these symptoms sound
like milk consumtion iron defieciency Anemia. Please write back with
your response. Concerned Mother,
Amanda Branham
amanda-branham@sbcglobal.
net
|
| Dr. Chan Lowe
- Fri Mar 30, 2007 9:26 pm |
 It would be unusual for iron deficiency Anemia to cause these problems. Most likely he has contracted a viral stomach illness. Children his age typically will have around 10-12 viral infections per year (mostly in the winter season). This means that they basically go from one infection to the next.
Large amounts of milk consumption can cause iron deficiency which leads to Anemia. Unfortunately, the screening used at most WIC centers only tests for Hemoglobin levels. This method is very inaccurate for diagnosing iron deficiency. I would recommend that your son see his pediatrician for a CBC that will give much more information regarding whether or not he is anemic and if it is likely from iron deficiency.
Amoxicillin is well known to cause Diarrhea but generally doesn't cause much Vomiting.
Best wishes.
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