Thalassemia, Internal Medicine FAQ

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Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation

Elevated white blood cell count? Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about my condition. I have mild thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. Recently, my blood tests have shown elevated white blood cell counts, sometimes over 100,000 and at times 110,000, but the differential white...


Dr. Zeng Guosen Reply:
The user's white blood cell count is between 10,000 and 11,000 (normal is ≤10,000), which is within a reasonable range and should not be a concern. If there are any doubts, it is advisable to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you.

[Read More] Understanding Elevated White Blood Cell Counts: When to Seek Further Evaluation


Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?

Am I experiencing Mediterranean anemia? Hello doctor, I recently tested for anemia and my results are as follows: MCHC 30.5, MCH 19.8, MCV 65.0, RBC 6.71, RDW 16.8, TIBC 356, HbA 97.4%, HbA2 2.6%, HGB H (Positive). Does this indicate thalassemia?


Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: Based on the data above, it is possible. Therefore, it is best to seek medical attention at a hospital. Thank you for your message!

[Read More] Could My Blood Test Results Indicate Thalassemia?


Assessing Mediterranean Anemia vs. Iron Deficiency: Next Steps and Nutritional Support

Diagnosis of Mediterranean or Iron Deficiency Anemia WBC 5.8, RBC 5.49, HB 11.3, HCT 35.2, PLT 243, MCV 64, MCH 20.6, MCHC 32.3, RDW 15.10, PDW 16.8, HB-A1 94.4, HB-A2 5.6, HB-F 0.00. The test results suggest a possible diagnosis of thalassemia. Should I go to the hospital for fu...


Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello, it is recommended that you bring the report to a consultation with a family medicine, internal medicine, or hematology clinic. Thank you.

[Read More] Assessing Mediterranean Anemia vs. Iron Deficiency: Next Steps and Nutritional Support


Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count

White blood cell count Hello Doctor, my father has thalassemia. In last year's health check report, his hemoglobin was 12.8, mean corpuscular volume was 67.2, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin was 21.8. The physician mentioned that these values were low due to anemia. However,...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, a white blood cell count of 3380 is still within the normal range. It is normal for blood cell counts to fluctuate somewhat; as long as they remain within the normal range, there is no cause for concern. Spondylolisthesis itself should not lead to a decrease in blood cell ...

[Read More] Understanding the Impact of Anemia and Spinal Issues on White Blood Cell Count


Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels

What are the more accurate methods for measuring blood glucose levels? Hello, doctor. I recently received my health check report, and the results showed that my fasting blood sugar appears normal, but my glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is at 6.0. In the past, my HbA1c levels were bet...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If you are concerned that anemia may affect the accuracy of hemoglobin A1c, you can test for glycated albumin.

[Read More] Understanding Accurate Diabetes Testing: Insights on HbA1c and Blood Sugar Levels


Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia

Blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, and Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I had a company health check before the New Year, and my hemoglobin A1c was 5.6 and my blood glucose was 86. At the end of March, due to feeling unwell, I tested my postprandial blood glucose and it was 155. The...


Dr. Li Jian Reply:
If there are concerns that hemoglobin A1c levels may be affected by anemia, glycated albumin can be tested; the impact of anemia on hemoglobin A1c levels is difficult to estimate.

[Read More] Understanding Blood Sugar, HbA1c, and Their Impact on Thalassemia


Can Mediterranean Anemia and Microcytic Anemia Occur Together?

Mediterranean anemia and microcytic anemia? Hello, doctor. Can a person have both thalassemia and microcytic anemia at the same time? I previously took iron supplements and consumed a lot of meat for at least six months, which raised my hemoglobin to normal levels. However, after...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, microcytic anemia is a general term that encompasses various types of anemia, with the most common being iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. To determine which specific type of anemia you have, further testing is required. For instance, iron deficiency anemia can be as...

[Read More] Can Mediterranean Anemia and Microcytic Anemia Occur Together?


Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients

Mediterranean anemia Hello Doctor, I would like to ask about an internal medicine issue. Six years ago, during my pregnancy, I underwent prenatal check-ups, and the report values were as follows: average red blood cell count 75.7 (reference value 79-99) and hemoglobin 11.9 (refer...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your blood test report, it is possible that you have either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. To determine which type it is, further blood tests are necessary. Regarding vaccines, it does not affect the choice of vaccine brand. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Vaccine Considerations for Patients


Managing Health Issues: Can I Get the AZ Vaccine with My Conditions?

Health issues I woke up in the morning feeling very sore, so I lay back down thinking I could get up later. After a while, I felt uncomfortable again, with body aches, and I lay down for a bit before finally getting up. I have a history of allergic rhinitis, severe sleep apnea, a...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, do you have any other symptoms? For example, fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, etc.? If you do, it may be a sign of a cold or another illness. If not, it could be due to irregular sleep patterns, high stress, or poor posture. These factors should not affect y...

[Read More] Managing Health Issues: Can I Get the AZ Vaccine with My Conditions?


Is It Safe to Get the AZ Vaccine with Mediterranean Anemia?

Questions about the administration of the AZ vaccine? Hello, doctor. I would like to ask if there are any risks associated with receiving inactivated vaccines like AstraZeneca if there is a family history of Mediterranean anemia (thalassemia) on the paternal side. Thank you.


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, Mediterranean anemia is currently not a contraindication for the AZ vaccine, and there is no evidence that it increases risk. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Is It Safe to Get the AZ Vaccine with Mediterranean Anemia?


Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children

Easy bruising, petechiae, and nosebleeds? Dear Director Gao, My daughter is currently 7 years old. Over a year ago, we noticed that she easily develops bruises on her body, although we are unsure if she has bumped into something. These bruises mostly occur around her knees and t...


Dr. Gao Jiankai Reply:
Hello, thank you for your message. Here are my thoughts: 1. The pediatric immunologist mentioned the possibility of thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. Since many family members on my mother's side have thalassemia trait, does that mean my daughter is likely to have this...

[Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising, Petechiae, and Frequent Nosebleeds in Children


Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators

Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I received my military service medical examination report. The white blood cell count (WBC) is 6.6 x 10^3/µL, red blood cell count (RBC) is 6.51 x 10^6/µL, hemoglobin (Hb) is 13.4 g/dL, hematocrit (Hct) is 43.0%, and ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, it is indeed possible, but Mediterranean anemia can only be confirmed through further testing. Thank you for your inquiry.

[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators


Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns

Feeling troubled? I often visit the doctor, sometimes feeling very fatigued. I have mild thalassemia and a waist circumference of 97 cm, with abdominal obesity. My lifestyle is generally normal, but I have issues with nasal allergies. Recently, I visited an immunology specialist ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, based on your description, it seems that your body is prone to minor issues in various organs, mostly related to allergies. The most effective recommendations are regular exercise and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Avoid staying up late and try to reduce stress; ...

[Read More] Managing Frequent Doctor Visits: Understanding Your Health Concerns


Does Anemia Affect Blood Sugar Diagnosis Standards? Understanding the Impact

Does anemia affect blood sugar diagnostic standards? Recently, my health check report showed a fasting blood glucose level of 101 and a hemoglobin A1c of 5.8. I am very concerned about diabetes, but I have thalassemia. Does this condition affect blood glucose levels or the standa...


Dr. Lin Jianliang Reply:
Hello: Mediterranean anemia can affect the binding of glucose to hemoglobin, which in turn can impact the levels of glycated hemoglobin.

[Read More] Does Anemia Affect Blood Sugar Diagnosis Standards? Understanding the Impact


Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests

I had thalassemia in middle school, but recent tests did not show any signs of it? Hello Doctor: I recently underwent a physical examination for military service, and I have some questions. In the past, I was diagnosed with thalassemia minor, but my recent tests did not indicate ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, 1. Mediterranean anemia requires further genetic testing to determine. The data you have is from a basic blood test, which can only indicate whether there is currently anemia. Based on this value, we can only say that there is no anemia at this moment; it does not rule o...

[Read More] Understanding the Disappearance of Thalassemia in Recent Blood Tests


Understanding Anemia: What to Do When Common Tests Come Back Normal

Anemia issues Hello Doctor: In my health check reports, I always see red markings next to my red blood cell count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit levels. However, I have been tested at the clinic for both thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia, and neither was found. What should I do...


Dr. Lin Wuxuan Reply:
Hello: There are many causes of general anemia, and for young women, iron deficiency anemia is indeed the most common. Mediterranean anemia is also not uncommon, which is why most health screening centers or clinics include it as part of routine examinations. If these two causes ...

[Read More] Understanding Anemia: What to Do When Common Tests Come Back Normal


Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: CBC Screening and Genetic Implications

Inquiry about CBC in relation to Mediterranean anemia? Hello, I have a question for the doctor regarding the screening for Mediterranean anemia. Generally, a complete blood count (CBC) is performed first, and most institutions use a standard of MCV less than 80 (or MCH less than ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Mild patients with thalassemia do not exhibit significant symptoms. Hematological tests typically show only mild anemia unless influenced by menstruation, diet, or bleeding, which can lead to a decrease in iron levels in the body, making the anemia more pronounced. Therefore, fur...

[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: CBC Screening and Genetic Implications


Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Improvement Strategies

Regarding issues related to my anemia? I am a male, naturally tall and thin. At the age of 13-14, I was diagnosed with anemia at a general clinic. I have often experienced dizziness, headaches, and difficulty falling asleep for a long time. This condition has improved over time. ...


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, to differentiate between the types of anemia, a blood test is necessary to examine the size of red blood cells. In Taiwan, there is a higher prevalence of thalassemia and iron deficiency anemia. The symptoms of anemia depend on the level of hemoglobin; generally, if it is ...

[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms, Types, and Improvement Strategies


Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?

Should individuals with thalassemia see a doctor? Hello doctor, there is a history of thalassemia in my family, and I suspect I might have it as well. During high school, I was diagnosed during a health check-up. I have previously experienced palpitations, and a cardiology examin...


Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Miss Wenwen: 1. Thalassemia, known in Chinese as "海洋性貧血" or "地中海型貧血," is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder. It is primarily classified into two types: α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia, similar to what is taught in middle school regarding Mendelian i...

[Read More] Should You See a Doctor for Thalassemia Concerns?


Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Can Blood Transfusions Help?

Mediterranean anemia Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and my hemoglobin level is 11.4. I usually exercise and don't have any issues. I would like to enlist in the military; can I increase my hemoglobin to 12 through blood transfusions? Are there other methods to improve it?


Dr. Hong Yuanbin Reply:
Hello, while blood transfusions can indeed increase hemoglobin levels, from a medical standpoint, they are not recommended without a medical necessity due to the potential complications associated with the transfusion process. Healthier alternatives include taking multivitamins, ...

[Read More] Managing Mediterranean Anemia: Can Blood Transfusions Help?


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