Medically reviewed by Erika Berman Rosenzweig, MD, Physician-in-Chief, Pediatric Cardiology
As summer winds down and school routines begin, many parents notice their children seem more tired than usual. While adjusting to early mornings and busy schedules often explains temporary fatigue, persistent exhaustion could signal something more serious, like anemia.
When Tiredness Becomes Concerning
Look beyond the typical back-to-school adjustment when fatigue persists for more than two weeks. Red flags include your child consistently struggling to keep up with activities they once enjoyed, appearing pale, complaining of feeling weak despite adequate sleep or having difficulty concentrating on schoolwork that was previously manageable.
Understanding Anemia
Anemia occurs when the body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen to tissues. In children, iron deficiency anemia is the most common type, often resulting from insufficient iron intake, rapid growth spurts or heavy menstrual periods in adolescent girls.
Recognizing the Signs
Beyond fatigue, watch for these anemia symptoms:
- Pale skin, especially around the eyes, lips or nail beds
- Shortness of breath during normal activities
- Cold hands and feet
- Brittle or spoon-shaped nails
- Unusual cravings for non-food items like ice or starch
- Difficulty concentrating in school
- Irritability or mood changes
It’s Not Always Anemia
Other conditions can mimic anemia’s symptoms. Sleep disorders, thyroid problems, depression or even growing pains can cause persistent fatigue. Viral infections, food allergies or nutritional deficiencies beyond iron—such as B12 or folate—might also be culprits.
Taking Action
While back-to-school tiredness is usually temporary, trust your parental instincts. Persistent fatigue, especially when accompanied by other symptoms, deserves medical attention. Early detection and appropriate treatment can quickly restore your child’s energy and ensure they’re ready to tackle the school year ahead.
If concerning symptoms persist for more than two weeks, schedule an appointment with your child’s pediatrician. A simple blood test can diagnose anemia and determine its underlying cause. Don’t attempt to self-treat with iron supplements, as too much iron can be harmful, and the fatigue might stem from an entirely different issue.
Anemia is highly treatable once properly diagnosed, so don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance when something doesn’t feel right. To schedule an appointment with a pediatric specialist at Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, call 914-592-2400 or visit our website.