× Didn't find what you were looking for? Ask a question
Top Posters
Since Sunday
j
3
s
3
j
2
J
2
e
2
n
2
t
2
d
2
b
2
t
2
J
2
b
2
Home Q & A Board Biology-Related Homework Help Medicine Nursing and Clinical
New Topic  
fisher 2012 fisher 2012
wrote...
Posts: 63
Rep: 0 0
12 years ago
I took my 2 year old to the ped, because sometimes her eyes are a little dark (red actually) underneath.  I was concerned about anemia, and asked if she should get tested.  The doc said it's not necessary because it 's obvious she 's a little anemic.  He said he can tell from her eyes, and the fact that her ears are not pink (I've never heard of that before).

I don't really want to give her an iron supplement unless I know for sure that she needs it.  Otherwise I know it can do more harm than good.  Should I push him for a blood test, or is it possible he diagnosed correctly just by looking at her.  And even if he did, how could he know how much iron I'm supposed to give, and how deficient she is, just by looking at her?
Read 680 times
6 Replies

Related Topics

Replies
wrote...
#1
12 years ago
Actually, the darkness under eyes has to do with how fair a person's skin is.  With very fair-skinned people, the blood vessles under the skin (which is extremely thin under the eyes) show through.

A blood test is the only way you can diagnose an iron deficiency.

Both of my daughters are redheads, with very fair skin, neither is anemic in the slightest and have purplish coloring under their eyes.
wrote...
#2
12 years ago
There's a trick to see if someone needs more iron, take a gold ring (it has to be real gold) and rub it along their arm, if it makes a black line on the skin it means they need more iron.
wrote...
#3
12 years ago
maybe your doctor is some kind of anemia expert, but i would say that even someone who thinks they can tell without error that someone is indeed anemic SHOULD run tests to be sure. i would say maybe talk to a new doctor? its possible she is anemic, and its possible that he "knows" that she is anemic, but to just say that and not even have any actual tests is strange coming from a doctor as they usually go by test results like the friggin bible. i would at least insist he test her. its POSSIBLE he dx'd her correctly, but he's not psychic and shouldn't assume that he just "knows"
wrote...
#4
12 years ago
I'd think you would need a blood test. As to the test with a gold ring, well, that's just an old wives tale and not true.
wrote...
#5
12 years ago
There are symptoms of anemia that he might be going off of.  You need a blood test to be sure.  If you don't want to put your child on supplements there are iron rich foods you can give her.

I gave my kids raisins as snacks often.

Combining vitamin C foods with iron foods increases iron absorption.

Milk and other dairy will inhibit iron absorption.

Using a cast iron skillet to cook with will increase the iron on foods.
oby
wrote...
#6
12 years ago
I would push for the blood test just to be on the safe side.  It will give you peace of mind...
New Topic      
Quick Reply
Explore
Post your homework questions and get free online help from our incredible volunteers
  870 People Browsing
Start New Topic Take the Tour CoursesNew Study Tools Topics Trending Browse by Textbook
Live Chat
Related Images
  
 419
  
 299
  
 401
Your Opinion
What's your favorite coffee beverage?
Votes: 304
Previous poll results: How often do you eat-out per week?