What usually causes anemia in adolescents?

Aug 13, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

I fainted yesterday and found out at the hospital that it was due to anemia. Could you please tell me what usually causes anemia in adolescents?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Liu Feng

The causes of anemia in adolescents mainly fall into two categories: non-disease factors and disease-related factors.

Among non-disease factors, the primary causes include blind dieting, insufficient nutrient intake, and irregular lifestyles. Adolescents may excessively restrict their food intake in pursuit of a slim figure, leading to inadequate intake of iron and other essential nutrients, which can result in anemia. Additionally, due to rapid physical development during puberty, adolescents have high nutritional demands, and if parents fail to provide adequate nutrition in a timely manner, anemia may develop. Moreover, chronic late-night熬夜 should be translated as staying up late chronically or long-term熬夜 here refers to staying up late frequently or for prolonged periods.作息不规律 means irregular sleep patterns. So the sentence would be: Long-term staying up late and irregular sleep patterns can also affect normal body functions and contribute to the development of anemia.

Regarding disease-related factors, conditions such as functional uterine bleeding, hemolytic anemia, and aplastic anemia can all lead to anemia in adolescents. Functional uterine bleeding may cause excessive blood loss, thereby triggering anemia. Hemolytic anemia occurs when red blood cells are destroyed at a rate that exceeds the bone marrow's capacity to compensate through increased production. Aplastic anemia may result from exposure to chemicals, radiation, or viral infections that impair bone marrow function.

Adolescents should focus on maintaining a balanced diet, ensuring sufficient intake of iron, vitamin B12, and folic acid. When necessary, they may take supplements under a doctor's guidance. For anemia caused by underlying diseases, treatment should target the primary condition.