Aplastic Anemia In Children – Effects And Cure

Aplastic anemia is one of the serious health conditions in children where the bone marrow cannot produce sufficient blood cells. This causes a lack of oxygen to tissues and cells, decreased or lowered immunity, increased risk of bleeding problems and frequent infections. This is a very serious and grave condition and usually is difficult to cure but can be managed efficiently with supportive and complementary therapies.

Causes

Most of the time, the cause is unknown. Sometimes it is due to hereditary factors. It may be acquired during childhood due to severe infections such as Hepatitis, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMV) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Some of the other causes are autoimmune disorders, cancers, certain medications, radiation therapy and chemotherapy, heavy metal poisoning, etc.

Symptoms

• Irregular heartbeat and enlarged heart
• Chest pain and palpitations
• Lack of energy and easy fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Pale skin, lips, dark circles around the eyelids
• Bleeding gums and mouth sores
• Frequent infections
• Heavy bleeding from the least injuries
• Heavy bleeding during menses
• Bleeding from nose and per rectum
• Skin rashes and easy bruising

Diagnosis

• Tests to diagnose aplastic anemia are:
• Haemoglobin and Haematocrit
• A complete blood count (CBC)
• Peripheral smear examination
• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

Complications

• Delayed growth and development
• Develop cancers
• May lead to heart failure
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Precautions

• Keep the children in a safe and clean environment
• Keep them away from sick people
• Give them proper balanced and nutritious food
• Avoid feeding uncooked foods to the child
• Avoid taking them to places of higher altitudes as the oxygen level decreases
• Avoid them from participating in games which might cause injuries and bleeding
• Regular blood check-ups at least once in six months.
• Give them iron-rich foods

Treatment

The treatment depends on the cause, the severity of the condition and consideration of the age and symptoms of the child. In mild cases, just medicines and supplements can help to treat the condition. But severe cases may require blood and platelet transfusions, immunosuppressive medications, etc.

Homeopathic management in Aplastic anemia

The role of homeopathy medicines in treating aplastic anemia is mostly supportive and complementary, and it depends on the severity of the symptoms as most severe cases need blood or platelet transfusions. Homeopathic medicines try to restore the functions of the bone marrow and increase cell production. The indicated or the constitutional medicine selected can help with the symptoms such as bleeding, fatigue, in the healing of injuries and bruises, etc. It also boosts immunity and counteracts the side effects of long-term modern medications needed to support this condition. Along with conventional treatments and transfusion, homeopathy can be very helpful in managing this serious condition.

Some of the homeopathic medicines useful in managing the symptoms of aplastic anemia are Aletris Farinosa, Calcarea carbonica, Ferrum metallicum, Helonias, Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla, China, Ferr-phos, Nit-acid, Plumbum met, Phosphorus, Kali-carb, Ars-iod, etc.

Aletris Farinosa

It is a useful homeopathic remedy for anemia indicated for anemia with dizziness and fainting. The skin looks pale with extreme weakness and fatigue. It is essentially a female remedy for excessive bleeding during menses. Frequent episodes of fainting and palpitation.

China

It is one of the best homeopathic medicines for anemia indicated for symptoms of excessive bleeding due to traumatic injury or during menses. It is used to control bleeding and to stimulate the production of blood cells. Haemorrhage of all kinds from all parts of the body. It is the best remedy to treat anemia from blood loss of any form. Anemia due to blood loss with frequent fainting episodes. Coldness and pallor of the skin especially the face appear pale with sunken features.

Ferrum Metallicum

It is one of the best remedies in homeopathy to treat anemia with severe palpitations and chest pain. Very weak with paleness, frequent flushings from least excitement. Vertigo, pulsating headaches and ringing in ears. Difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath with palpitations and coldness of the body. It is also indicated for females with excessive bleeding during menses.

Natrum Muriaticum

It is a very useful homeopathic medicine for anemia to treat the symptoms of palpitations with fluttering sensations in the heart, headache, nausea and vomiting. Violent palpitations shake the whole body. The child is lean and emaciated with loss of flesh. The headache is due to anemia with a craving for salty foods. Heart palpitations due to decreased blood.

Ferrum Phosphoricum

It is the best homeopathic remedy for anemia to increase the haemoglobin level. The skin appears pale with palpitation of the heart and weakness. The pulse rate is quickened with frequent episodes of vertigo and headache.
Some of the best products available in homeopathy to manage anemia are Schwabe India‘s, Ferrum phosphoricum, Biofungin, Biocombination No. 01, Anekind, etc.