Can Normal Blood Test Results Rule Out Thalassemia?
The complete blood count (CBC) is normal? If a patient has an uncertain personal or family history of anemia and undergoes a routine complete blood count (CBC) that shows normal results, can the possibility of having thalassemia be ruled out?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, after undergoing a routine complete blood count, the report shows everything is normal, which can rule out the possibility of thalassemia. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Normal Blood Test Results Rule Out Thalassemia?
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia and Treatment Options
Understanding the "Man Jiang Hong" Blood Test Report Hello Doctor: 1. I would like to ask what type of anemia I have. 2. Is there anything I can take to remedy this and raise my hemoglobin to 12 g/dL? (such as iron supplements, etc.) 3. How long will it take to retu...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Hsi-Chun. Based on your blood test results, you have mild microcytic anemia. However, the low ferritin and serum iron levels indicate that it meets the criteria for iron deficiency anemia. Additionally, the red blood cell count suggests a possible trait of thalassemia. For...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia and Treatment Options
Understanding Thalassemia: Inheritance, Blood Tests, and Iron Deficiency
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello doctor, I have some questions regarding thalassemia: 1. Can thalassemia be inherited in a skip-generation manner? 2. Is it possible for a patient's complete blood count results to sometimes appear normal and other times abnormal? 3. Can iron ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it may not be a case of generational inheritance, but rather that it could be latent and not easily detectable if it is extremely mild. Therefore, it is possible that the interpretation of the test results may sometimes appear normal and at other times show abnormalities. ...[Read More] Understanding Thalassemia: Inheritance, Blood Tests, and Iron Deficiency
Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Marine anemia Hello Doctor, during my annual health check, I always have a lot of abnormal results in my complete blood count. This year's data is as follows: RBC 567 (high), HB 11.6 (low), MCV 66.1 (low), MCH 20.5 (low), MCHC 30.9 (low), with the rest being normal. The data...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I suspect that it is Mediterranean anemia rather than iron deficiency anemia, as the RBC count is elevated and MCV is low, which is typical for Mediterranean anemia. HbA1 is 96.9 (normal), HbA2 is 2.6 (normal), and HbF is 0.5 (normal), indicating it is not beta-thalassemia...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Anemia
Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
How to distinguish between Mediterranean anemia and iron deficiency anemia? I have anemia. A few weeks ago, my lab results showed a red blood cell count of 4.52 (normal range: 3.7-5.5 µL), hemoglobin of 8.6 (normal range: 11.3-15.3 g/dL) which is low, hematocrit of 28.6 (normal r...
Dr. Li Han Reply:
Hello, Ms. Ya-Hsuan. Based on your inquiry, your child's blood test results indeed indicate anemia with a hemoglobin level of 8.6 g/dL. When classified by red blood cell size, this is categorized as microcytic anemia. The two most common causes are iron deficiency anemia and...[Read More] Differentiating Between Iron Deficiency Anemia and Thalassemia
Understanding Heart Palpitations, Chest Pain, and Dizziness Symptoms
Palpitations, chest tightness, shortness of breath, dizziness? Hello Doctor, for the past three weeks, I have been experiencing frequent chest tightness, difficulty breathing, and palpitations. There was a moment when I almost fainted. My legs feel unsteady, and I have dizziness ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, the symptoms you described are very similar to autonomic nervous system dysfunction, arrhythmia, and thalassemia. Whether you need to serve in the military cannot be answered unless there is concrete evidence to justify an exemption. Based solely on the symptoms mentioned,...[Read More] Understanding Heart Palpitations, Chest Pain, and Dizziness Symptoms
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my situation. I have a 3 cm uterine fibroid and mild thalassemia. Sometimes my vision goes white, and I experience dizziness, headaches, chest tightness, and occasional sharp pain in my chest. Are these symptoms ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, sometimes I experience temporary vision loss, dizziness, headaches, chest tightness, and occasional sharp pain in my chest. These symptoms are unrelated to the uterine fibroids and mild thalassemia. It would be good to get checked by a hematologist. The National Health Ins...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Pregnancy Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Results Explained
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there are any issues with my blood test results from my military service medical examination. My white blood cell count (WBC) is 6.0 x 10^3/µL, red blood cell count (RBC) is 5.97 x 10^6/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) is 13.4 g...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this examination shows that you have microcytic red blood cells, but it does not indicate anemia at this time. If you do develop anemia in the future, you can follow up with a hematologist to investigate the possibility of thalassemia. Changhua Hospital cares about your he...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Results Explained
Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Is there Mediterranean anemia? Hello, Doctor He. I received my health check report showing the following results: Red Blood Cells 3.75 x 10^6/µL, Hemoglobin 11.4 g/dL, Hematocrit 34.6%, Mean Corpuscular Volume 92.3 fL, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin 30.4 pg, Mean Corpuscular Hemoglo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, according to the report, it does not appear to be Mediterranean anemia. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Distinguishing Between Thalassemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Is it oceanic anemia? WBC: 10.06 RBC: 5.69 Hb: 12.0 Ht: 38.4 MCV: 67.5 MCH: 21.1 MCHC: 31.3 Platelet: 481 Is this thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it seems more like mild oceanic anemia. To confirm the diagnosis, please visit the hematology clinic and have several indicators tested. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Distinguishing Between Thalassemia and Iron Deficiency Anemia
Does Ovulation Induction Affect Anemia in Mediterranean Anemia Patients?
Will the ovulation induction medications used for in vitro fertilization affect the severity of Mediterranean anemia? Dear Doctor, I am a carrier of thalassemia. In my blood test report on August 8, both MCV and MCH were normal. Now, in order to undergo assisted reproduction for ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you consult a hematologist. For pregnant women, a specialized iron-containing multivitamin of 2 capsules plus folic acid is suggested. The supplements for the general public do not help with Mediterranean anemia. You are not deficient in iron or foli...[Read More] Does Ovulation Induction Affect Anemia in Mediterranean Anemia Patients?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Normal Blood Test Results and Nutritional Impact
About Mediterranean Anemia Hello, Doctor He. I apologize for adding another question. I am quite certain that I am a carrier of thalassemia, as I was diagnosed at 26 years old by Taipei Medical University Hospital. However, I noticed that in my blood test report from August 8th, ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, I'm not clear on what you mean by deterioration, but normal MCV and MCHC indicate that you are a mild carrier and can be monitored. What nutritional supplements can be added? However, nutritional supplements do not have therapeutic effects on this condition, so there ...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Normal Blood Test Results and Nutritional Impact
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Further Testing
Marine anemia Recent blood tests show RBC 6.23, HGB 13.0, HCT 40.1, MCV 64.4, MCH 20.9, MCHC 32.4, PLATELET 178, WBC 5120, SERUM IRON 138, TIBC 292, and FERRITIN 109. Doctor, can you confirm if these results indicate thalassemia? If so, is it a mild form? What additional tests sh...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your hemoglobin level is still at 13, which does not indicate anemia. There is no need to worry too much. Do you have any underlying conditions? Just relax and enjoy life. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Further Testing
Managing Mediterranean Anemia and Vasovagal Syncope in Pregnant Women
Mediterranean anemia + vasovagal syncope As a patient with thalassemia and vasovagal syncope, there are several important considerations for you during pregnancy. 1. **Monitoring**: Regular monitoring of your hemoglobin levels and overall health is crucial. Thalassemia can lead...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, with Mediterranean anemia and vasovagal syncope, the severity of mild anemia should not interfere with vasovagal syncope. It is possible that external stimuli, such as excessive pain, may trigger the syncope. Therefore, a cesarean section could be a consideration. Changhua...[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia and Vasovagal Syncope in Pregnant Women
Is It Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Is it Mediterranean anemia? Hemoglobin 11.5, hematocrit 34.7, MCV 69.9, MCH 23.2, MCHC 33.1, RDW 16.3, lymphocytes 15.10. Based on these values, does this indicate thalassemia?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your report, it appears to be more like iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended to visit the hematology department for further tests on iron levels and red blood cells. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Is It Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Your Blood Test Results
Can Daily Lemon Juice Help Manage Thalassemia Symptoms?
Supplementing Vitamin C for Thalassemia? Can patients with thalassemia drink lemon juice every day? Approximately 600ml daily?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is not a problem. You can drink lemon juice every day. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Can Daily Lemon Juice Help Manage Thalassemia Symptoms?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia and Favism: Risks for Future Children
Mediterranean anemia and favism? Doctor, I have mild thalassemia and my boyfriend has favism. Will having children together pose any problems?
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, both are hereditary diseases. It's hard to say whether the child will have both, but they won't interfere with each other. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia and Favism: Risks for Future Children
Managing Arrhythmia: Can It Improve Over Time?
Arrhythmia Hello Doctor, I have been undergoing treatment for arrhythmia for two years and also have thalassemia. I often experience chest tightness, palpitations, shortness of breath, and sharp, burning pain in my heart that can be unbearable. I wake up at night feeling startled...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that the symptoms of arrhythmia may be caused by mitral valve prolapse combined with autonomic nervous system dysregulation. Will the arrhythmia improve? It depends on the type, but there is a possibility of improvement. Patients with mi...[Read More] Managing Arrhythmia: Can It Improve Over Time?
Managing Palpitations and Shortness of Breath: A Guide for Patients
Palpitations, chest tightness, and shortness of breath? Hello, Doctor! First of all, thank you for responding. I have a history of arrhythmia and thalassemia. A couple of days ago, I wore a 24-hour Holter monitor, and the physician said that my palpitations are not severe but tha...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, do the symptoms you experienced over the past 24 hours feel the same as your usual symptoms? If they do, it may just be as your doctor said, simply tachycardia. If they don't, there could still be other arrhythmias. Regardless, if you feel like an episode is about to ...[Read More] Managing Palpitations and Shortness of Breath: A Guide for Patients
Understanding Blood Test Results: Is My Child at Risk for Thalassemia?
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Hello, Doctor. My son underwent a hematocrit test, and the results are as follows: WBC: 6.67, RBC: 5.23, HB: 16.2, HCT: 44.4, MCV: 84.9, MCH: 31.0, MCHC: 36.5, Platelet: 197, RDW-SD: 35.2. The last value, the red blood cell distribution width standard d...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, don't be too nervous. That number doesn't have much significance; the main thing to look at is the Hb, which is very high. There is no issue with anemia, so please rest assured. Changhua Hospital cares about you.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Is My Child at Risk for Thalassemia?