Lethargy In Children

Children are usually very active and full of energy. However, many parents complain about their kids being lethargic. Nevertheless, what does lethargy actually mean? Lethargy in children refers to prolonged feeling of tiredness, decreased energy levels, difficulty staying awake in school and while doing homework. Such children feel lazy and struggle to stay awake for a considerable period of time. Investigating the cause of lethargy in children is very crucial because it could be the manifestation of some serious underlying diseases. Children can be lethargic due to several reasons including obesity, meningitis, fever, etc. If left untreated, it can lead to serious illnesses in the future including mental disorders. If you think your child is lethargic, call your pediatrician for thorough checkup. To know more about lethargy in children, explore the lines to follow.

Causes, Symptoms And Treatment Of Lethargy In Children 

• There can be several causes that can make a child sluggish and lethargic. Here are some of them.
• Anemia can make a child lethargic and decrease energy levels. In anemia, the number of red blood cells decreases significantly. Red blood cells are mainly responsible for supplying oxygen to cells. If the cells receive inadequate amount of oxygen, the body becomes sluggish and the child feels lethargic
• Obesity is another important cause for children being lethargic.
• Meningitis is also a common cause for sluggishness in children. Meninges are protective membranes of the brain and the spinal cord. Meningitis is caused when there is an infection of the meninges. Children with meningitis are extremely lethargic, experience fever, and headaches and tend to sleep longer.
• Stress can also make kids lethargic.
• Many children suffer from sleep apnea or have trouble sleeping. Lack of sleep can make the body feel exhausted. This can make them tired throughout the day. A good 7-8 hours of sleep per day is necessary to carry out daily activities efficiently.
• Fever can also make children fatigue. However, lethargy from fever is common and temporary.
• Children with ‘Down’s Syndrome’ also exhibit signs of lethargy.
• Psychological disorders like some kind of phobia or panic attacks can also make a child lethargic.
• Liver disease can be another probable cause of lethargy in children.

• Decreased energy level is the most common symptom of lethargy in children.
• Lacks interest in playing.
• The kid will move slowly often dragging himself.
• Difficulty staying awake in school or during doing homework.
• Always looking tired.

• Consult a pediatrician to find the underlying cause before starting any medication.
• Make sure the child gets proper nutrition. This will help to build up his immune system and will provide stamina.
• If needed, ask your child’s pediatrician to prescribe health drinks and vitamin supplement to boost up energy.

• Encourage your child to play and help him get engaged into some sort of physical activity. This will help your child to overcome obesity.
• Ensure your child does not get over burdened with homework.
• Make sure your kid is getting proper nutrition. Consult a nutritionist to get a nutrition chart for your child.
• Consult a doctor as soon as you observe any of the symptoms.
• Encourage your child to mingle with other kids. Never leave him alone at home. Instead, try to generate interest in some hobbies.
• Do not miss regular checkup appointments with your kid’s pediatrician.
• Monitor his/her sleep and observe if your child is having trouble sleeping.