Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Iron deficiency anemia Hello Doctor: I have thalassemia and previously experienced frequent dizziness, so I underwent blood tests at the hospital, which revealed that I also have iron deficiency anemia, with serum iron levels at 21 µg/dL. The doctor prescribed iron supplements fo...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, it is a misconception that individuals with thalassemia should not take iron supplements. Both conditions are classified as microcytic anemia, which is why some physicians may not differentiate between them and may prescribe iron supplements. It is not that they cannot tak...[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia in Patients with Thalassemia
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Concerns for Your Daughter's Health
Blood test issues? Hello Doctor: I have thalassemia and I'm concerned that my daughter may inherit it. A year ago, my daughter's blood test results were as follows, and I would like to ask if she has anemia. My daughter is 17 years old; can she take iron supplements or ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, based on the report you provided, there are no signs of anemia, which is normal. As for whether you can take iron supplements or folic acid, there are no contraindications; however, iron supplements are typically taken only if there is iron deficiency anemia, and folic aci...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Concerns for Your Daughter's Health
Understanding Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Results for Thalassemia Diagnosis
Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Report Hello, Doctor He. Recently, I had a blood test that indicated a suspicion of beta-thalassemia, so I underwent hemoglobin electrophoresis. I would like your assistance in determining whether this confirms beta-thalassemia. There is a family histor...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your condition appears to be Beta-thalassemia with elevated A2 levels, reference <4% F, and elevated reference <0.3%. Changhua Hospital is concerned about you.[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin Electrophoresis Results for Thalassemia Diagnosis
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Risks and Genetic Considerations
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about thalassemia. My father and brother both have mild thalassemia, but my blood tests during high school and college were normal. I am unsure if I might have it. My boyfriend also has mild thalas...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, instead of worrying at home, it is advisable to take action. I recommend that you and your boyfriend visit a hematology clinic for further examination. Based on the results of the tests, you can discuss the findings with the physician for the most accurate guidance. Changh...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Risks and Genetic Considerations
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Could It Be Thalassemia?
Could you please clarify what specific information you are seeking regarding blood tests? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, I went to the hospital for a pre-pregnancy check-up, and after receiving the report, it showed that my average red blood cell volume had abnormal values as foll...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, this is microcytic anemia, which may be due to iron deficiency anemia, so taking iron supplements is fine. As for folic acid, it is associated with macrocytic anemia, so currently taking folic acid does not help. Red meat, raisins, and spinach can be beneficial. Changhua H...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Could It Be Thalassemia?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Questions about Mediterranean Anemia? Doctor, here is my blood test report: White blood cells 7800 (4500~10000/UL), Red blood cells 5.46 (4.5~6.0), Hemoglobin 15.3 (14~18), Hematocrit 42.8 (36~54), Mean corpuscular volume 78.4 (80~100) - which is low, Mean corpuscular hemoglobin ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Hello, your hemoglobin level is above the standard range, but the entire report appears to be normal and does not suggest thalassemia. Please rest assured. If you would like to undergo further blood tests, you can schedule an appointment with the Hematology Department at Changhua...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Why High Red Blood Cell Count?
Mediterranean anemia, please help clarify, thank you? Hello, Doctor. I would like to ask you a few questions regarding my complete blood count report. My white blood cell count is 9,400 (normal range: 4,500–10,000/µL), which is normal. My red blood cell count is 621 (normal range...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
You should find a time to consult a hematologist for a definitive diagnosis based on your report, which suggests mild thalassemia. Patients with thalassemia lack normal hemoglobin, resulting in poor oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells. Consequently, the body's primar...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Why High Red Blood Cell Count?
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Anemia Hello Doctor: My mother often experiences dizziness and feels as if her brain is empty and about to stop functioning. She also has difficulty sleeping at night and needs to take sleeping pills to help her sleep; however, during severe episodes, even the sleeping pills are ...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Ms. Lin: You have thalassemia (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia), which must have been inherited from one of your parents, so your mother may also have it. However, thalassemia generally does not present symptoms, and your mother's issues with dizziness and insom...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment Options
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Heart and Breathing Issues Explained
My blood and heart? Hello Dr. Ho, I have thalassemia and often experience dizziness when I exert myself for too long. After a prolonged period of activity, I feel intense pain in my chest and it feels like I can't breathe, almost as if I'm suffocating, with a very dry...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear Goldfish, unless you have severe anemia or low blood pressure, it is unlikely that you would experience the aforementioned symptoms. It may be worth considering mitral valve prolapse or paroxysmal arrhythmia as potential causes. It is advisable to visit a cardiology clinic f...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Heart and Breathing Issues Explained
Understanding Anemia: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Types
I would like to inquire about the issue of anemia? Hello, doctor... I participated in a school health check, and my test results are as follows: WBC 5.0, RBC 6.18, Hb 13.5, Hct 43.7, MCV 70.7, MCH 21.8, MCHC 30.8, Platelet 251. Could you please tell me if this indicates thalassem...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Allen: Your test results show that your hemoglobin level (Hb=13.5) is normal, but your red blood cells are smaller than average (MCV=70.7), indicating microcytic anemia. Both thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia are possible. However, this test is just a routine blood tes...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Mediterranean vs. Iron Deficiency Types
Is Dizziness and Weakness Related to Mediterranean Anemia?
Could you please let me know if the following symptoms are related to anemia? Hello Doctor: I recently learned that I have Mediterranean anemia during a health check at work (hemoglobin 10.2 g/dL, mean corpuscular volume 76.4 fL, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 23.8 pg). There is ind...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Fei: Your symptoms could indeed be caused by anemia. Hemoglobin is responsible for transporting oxygen to the body's tissues, and if hemoglobin levels are low, the body may not receive enough oxygen. When air quality is poor or when you stand up suddenly, the brain may...[Read More] Is Dizziness and Weakness Related to Mediterranean Anemia?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Impacts on Hemoglobin Levels and Daily Life
Mediterranean anemia Hello Dr. Tang: I recently underwent a health check-up, and the results confirmed that I have beta-thalassemia, with an Hb of 11.3 and an MCV of 65.6. Before publishing an article, I researched issues related to beta-thalassemia, and many articles state that ...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello, Xiao Wei: The issue with thalassemia (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) lies in the size of the red blood cells, which is smaller (i.e., MCV < 80). However, in mild cases, the quantity and function of hemoglobin (HgB) are similar to those of the general population...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Impacts on Hemoglobin Levels and Daily Life
Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Anemia and More
Abnormalities in complete blood count (CBC) results? Hello Dr. Tang, I have some questions I would like to ask you regarding my boyfriend's recent health check-up results. In the complete blood count, there are several abnormal values highlighted in red: WBC 5.62, RBC 6.52 ...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello, Lollipop: In this data, the only meaningful comparison is MCV=61.52 (<80); other values such as RBC, MCH, and MCHC have high variability and may not necessarily have clinical significance. An MCV <80 could indicate either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia, but th...[Read More] Understanding Abnormal Blood Test Results: Insights on Anemia and More
Sudden Chest Pain While Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Sometimes I experience sudden pain in my left or right chest when I breathe? Sometimes when I sit, I suddenly feel pain in my left or right chest while breathing (it has never hurt on both sides at the same time). I have to take shallower breaths to avoid the pain, and then I can...
Dr. Chen Guifeng Reply:
Chest pain during breathing may be due to pleuritis, costochondritis, or intercostal nerve inflammation. Most cases are temporary and self-limiting. If it occurs frequently, it is advisable to consult an internal medicine specialist. Thank you for your inquiry.[Read More] Sudden Chest Pain While Breathing: Causes and Concerns
Understanding Aortic Curvature: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips
Curvature of the aorta? Dear Doctor: Situation: My father has been experiencing chest pain frequently while sleeping over the past week, and he feels dizzy when he first gets up. According to his report, the examination results indicate that he has a curvature of the aorta, and...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear User, Thank you for your message. 1. Aortic curvature is often caused by aging and unstable blood pressure. This is an anatomical issue that cannot be improved, so it is important to focus on controlling blood pressure to avoid triggers (such as emotional stress and cert...[Read More] Understanding Aortic Curvature: Causes, Management, and Lifestyle Tips
Understanding Hemoglobin Levels and Cholesterol: What Do They Indicate?
Red blood cells A hemoglobin level of 11.1 g/dL, a red blood cell count of 3-5 per high power field (HPF), and a cholesterol level of 263 mg/dL may indicate several potential health issues. The low hemoglobin and red blood cell count suggest anemia, which could be due to various ...
Dr. He Dongjin Reply:
Dear Candy, Thank you for your letter: 1. A hemoglobin level of 11.1 indicates mild anemia. Generally, women may experience mild anemia due to menstruation, which is often related to iron deficiency anemia. Only a small number of cases are due to thalassemia or other causes, wh...[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin Levels and Cholesterol: What Do They Indicate?
Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Needs
Do I have Mediterranean anemia? Hello, Doctor! My blood test results are as follows: WBC (White Blood Cells) 10.3, RBC (Red Blood Cells) 5.16, HGB (Hemoglobin) 11.1 ==> low, HCT (Hematocrit) 34.5, MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume) 66.9 ==> low, MCH (Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin)...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello Bonnie: Based on your report, the low MCV could be indicative of either iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. Your hemoglobin (HgB) level is normal according to female standards, as typically, iron deficiency anemia would present with a lower HgB value. Therefore, I suspec...[Read More] Do I Have Mediterranean Anemia? Understanding Symptoms and Dietary Needs
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Testing Methods
Mediterranean anemia Hello, I would like to ask about the symptoms of thalassemia and how I can check if I have it or not.
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello, Xiaoguang: Thalassemia, formerly known as Mediterranean anemia, usually has no symptoms and is often discovered incidentally during routine blood tests. A preliminary screening can be conducted through a complete blood count at the hospital, and if necessary, further serum...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Testing Methods
Understanding Hemoglobin Levels in Mediterranean Anemia for Military Service
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor: I apologize for not being clear in my previous inquiry! I have thalassemia. Due to military service physical examinations, individuals with thalassemia and hemoglobin levels above 13 are classified as fit for service,...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello, Bangjun: I'm sorry, but this question is beyond my scope of response.[Read More] Understanding Hemoglobin Levels in Mediterranean Anemia for Military Service
Understanding Blood Test Results: Identifying Types of Anemia
Complete Blood Count (CBC) Hello Dr. Tang, I previously consulted you about some issues related to anemia. I have also undergone electrophoresis testing, and the results are as follows: [1] WBC 7.34 (Eosin 1.2) [2] RBC 6.78 (Baso 1.3) [3] Hb 12.3 [4] Ht 40.6 [5] MCV 59.9 [6] MCH ...
Dr. Tang Jieru Reply:
Hello SuNNy: You have microcytic anemia. Microcytic anemia is generally classified into two types: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. 1. Your serum ferritin level is 319.98, which is within the normal range (>50), indicating that you do not have iron deficiency anemia; i...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Identifying Types of Anemia