Q: My daughter is weak. Her haemoglobin is 8.0. What should I do?

A:Anaemia is extremely common in children due to rapid growth, poor nutrition, food fads, chronic illness etc. The usual cause is iron deficiency. Please get a complete blood count (including red cell indices) and reticulocyte count along with a peripheral smear examination done, so that the underlying cause and type of anaemia can be defined. Your doctor can then advise you appropriately regarding diet and supplements.