Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What are discharge instructions? —
Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of your child after getting medical care in the emergency department ("ED").
What should I know? —
While your child was in the ED, the doctor found they have anemia. This means they have too few red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
Anemia is most often caused by low iron. The body uses iron to make red blood cells.
Your child might have low iron because they do not get enough iron from their diet, they have trouble absorbing iron from the foods they eat, or they lost a large amount of blood. The doctor will try to find out what is causing their anemia and help them get more iron if needed.
You might be waiting on your child's test results. The staff will notify you if there are concerning results.
How do I care for my child at home? —
Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for your child. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.
You should also do the following:
●Call your child's regular doctor and tell them your child was in the ED. Make a follow-up appointment if you were told to. Your child might need to get more blood tests.
●If the doctor told your child to take an iron supplement, help them take it exactly as instructed. Know the strength and how often to give it. Your child might need to take iron for several months. If your child has side effects like nausea, constipation, or diarrhea, talk to their regular doctor.
●Try to give the iron supplement with orange juice or foods that are high in vitamin C, like oranges, strawberries, broccoli, or tomatoes. This might help them absorb more iron from their food.
●Do not give your child cow or goat milk if they are younger than 1 year. If your child is over 1 year, do not give them more than 20 ounces of milk per day.
●Give your child iron-rich foods. Foods with the most iron include meats, seafood, lentils, spinach, and cereal with added iron. Foods with some iron in them include prunes, raisins, apricots, dark green leafy vegetables, dried beans, and peas.
●Let your child rest. Feeling tired is a sign of anemia. Your child might need to rest or sleep more often. It can take some time until their iron level returns to normal.
When should I get emergency help?
●Return to the ED if:
•Your child's bowel movements are bright red or dark red.
•Your child faints.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your child's bowel movements are black or tar colored.
●Your child has new or worsening symptoms.
Patient education: Low iron (The Basics)
Patient education: Good food sources of iron (The Basics)
Patient education: Anemia overview (The Basics)
