Q: My 6-year-old is pale, tired, and seeing 'stars' - is it just anemia or something more?

This post is a dramatization of a question and answer session experienced by our actual medical reviewers. Please note that this content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment.

Q: Help, I'm so worried about my 6-year-old son and I feel like I'm not getting answers. For a couple of years now, he’s had recurring pain and hearing loss in one ear, which wakes him up crying several times a week. He did have a perforated eardrum from a virus before, but our doctor says it has healed completely. We've been referred to audiology, but the waitlist is 10 months long.

On top of the ear issues, his general health has me really concerned for the past 6 months. He's an extremely picky eater due to sensory issues, and our doctor thinks he might be anemic. The only advice was to increase his iron intake, which feels impossible given his diet—he will literally starve himself before eating something he doesn’t like.

Here's what's been happening:

• He's extremely pale and gets sweaty often.

• He complains about seeing "vivid color stars," which makes me wonder if he's feeling dizzy.

• He says his tummy hurts at least once every single day.

• He's had two nosebleeds in the last month.

• His mood is terrible; he's so irritable and emotional.

• He's exhausted all the time, falling asleep on the floor while playing (which he hasn't done in years) and constantly saying he's too tired to walk anywhere.

• His tonsils are huge, practically touching in the back of his throat, and his neck lymph nodes are swollen.

Our doctor has seen all of this and confirmed these issues, but aside from the audiology referral, he seems to think it will all just go away on its own. I feel completely lost and don't know what to do next.

A: Hi there, I'm sorry to hear that your son is going through all these health issues. I can imagine how worrying this must be for you. Given his range of symptoms—paleness, fatigue, "seeing color stars," daily stomach aches, nosebleeds, irritability, and his limited diet—a full medical check-up would be helpful. While iron deficiency can cause some of these symptoms, other nutrient deficiencies, like folate or vitamin B12, can also lead to similar issues, including things like dizziness or "seeing stars." The visual symptoms he’s describing could be linked to dizziness or even pediatric migraines. In kids, migraines can sometimes show up as abdominal pain (called abdominal migraines) instead of the usual headache. His large tonsils, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, and mood changes may also be affecting his overall comfort and sleep quality, which could be impacting his energy and behavior. Since his ear pain and hearing issues are ongoing, it might be worth seeing an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist, especially if the wait for audiology is long. I’d recommend discussing these concerns with his doctor and asking for a thorough check-up, possibly including blood tests to look for nutrient deficiencies and other possible causes. If you feel your concerns aren’t being fully addressed, seeking a second opinion could be helpful. Also, given his sensory issues with food, a pediatric dietitian or occupational therapist might be able to help expand his diet and make sure he’s getting the nutrients he needs. I hope this helps, and I wish your son a quick return to good health.

For extra peace of mind and clear guidance when tracking your child's symptoms, the FeverCoach app is always there to help.

https://fevercoach.us