Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Indicators Explained
Should I get a blood test? The school health check report shows the following results: WBC 6470, RBC 5.53, Hb 10.2, Hct 33.5, MCV 60.6, MCH 18.4, MCHC 30.4. The items marked in red indicate that you may have anemia, as your hemoglobin (Hb) and hematocrit (Hct) levels are below th...
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: 1. Regarding the health check report, only the red blood cell section is abnormal: Hb 10.2, MCV 60.6 (normal range 80-100). 2. A 19-year-old female may experience iron deficiency anemia due to menstrual blood loss if iron supplements are not adequately provided t...[Read More] Understanding Your Blood Test Results: Anemia Indicators Explained
Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Beta-thalassemia minor Red blood cells: 5.74 (elevated) Hemoglobin: 11.8 Hematocrit: 37.5 Platelets: 343 Mean corpuscular volume: 65.3 (low) Mean corpuscular hemoglobin: 20.6 (low) The doctor said I have latent thalassemia and elevated red blood cell count due to very irregular m...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Yi: 1. Thalassemia should theoretically be unrelated to irregular menstrual periods. Moreover, your hemoglobin level of 11.8 gm/dL, while not very high, should still be sufficient to meet physiological demands. 2. In thalassemia, due to the smaller size of red blood ...[Read More] Understanding the Connection Between Hidden Mediterranean Anemia and Irregular Menstrual Cycles
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Red blood cells (RBC) 5.84 (reference range 3.70–5.50) Hemoglobin (Hb) 10.9 (reference range 11.3–16.0) Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) 59.4 (reference range 80.0–100.0) The above data was obtained two years ago when I was in high sc...
Dr. Li Zhiyao Reply:
Hello: 1. Your anemia is classified as microcytic anemia, and the possible causes include "thalassemia" (formerly known as Mediterranean anemia) or iron deficiency anemia, or both. It cannot be concluded that you definitely have "thalassemia" just because yo...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Management
Understanding Immune System Values and Boosting Immunity with Thalassemia
Immune system What are the normal values for the immune system? If my immunity is low, will it take a long time to improve? Will it be difficult? I have thalassemia, so exercising and getting sunlight is more challenging for me, and my immune value is only 190.
Dr. Liao Zhongxin Reply:
Dear readers: Regarding the question, "What are the normal values for the immune system? If my immunity is low, will it take a long time to improve? Will it be difficult? I have thalassemia, so exercising and getting sunlight is more challenging for me, and my immune value i...[Read More] Understanding Immune System Values and Boosting Immunity with Thalassemia
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: A Guide to Blood Test Results
Anemia issues Hello Doctor: This is my boyfriend's blood test report: WBC 4.57, RBC 5.95, HGB 10.5, Ht 36.4, MCV 61.2, MCH 17.6, MCHC 28.8, PLT 417. Does this indicate Mediterranean anemia?
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: It could be either thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia, and further testing is needed to confirm. Thank you for your message![Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: A Guide to Blood Test Results
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello doctor, I have thalassemia and often experience dizziness. I thought it was due to moderate thalassemia. I recently had a routine blood test, and the results came back quickly. The doctor said my blood is normal, with a hemog...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Mr. Wei, Thalassemia, or Mediterranean anemia, is classified into α-thalassemia (determined by four α genes on chromosome 16) and β-thalassemia (determined by two β genes on chromosome 11), both of which are inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Problems arise only wh...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms and Diagnosis Explained
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello Doctor: My blood test report shows a white blood cell count of 8.8, red blood cell count of 5.95, hemoglobin of 12.1, hematocrit of 38.9, mean corpuscular volume of 65.3, mean corpuscular hemoglobin of 20.3, mean corpuscular ...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Dear Ms. Cindy: Based on the information you provided, if the measurements are in the common units used in Taiwan, it is certainly reasonable to suspect the possibility of oceanic anemia. As for whether there are other potential causes, you will need to discuss this with your phy...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Key Blood Test Indicators Explained
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Mediterranean anemia Hello, based on my blood test report, is it possible that I have Mediterranean anemia? What is the likelihood? Or what additional tests should I undergo? Thank you. RBC: 5.28 (Male: 4.2-6.2; Female: 3.7-5.5) MIL/cumm Hemoglobin: 13.2 (Male: 12.3-18.3; Fem...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
1. The complete blood count and hemoglobin electrophoresis tests you provided should ideally be ordered by a physician, who should also provide a thorough discussion and explanation of the results. If you have any further questions, please be sure to discuss them with your physic...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Blood Test Insights and Next Steps
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Concerns
Diagnosis of Mediterranean 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 be...
Dr. Chen Jianyu Reply:
Please follow up with the hematology outpatient clinic. Thanks.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Diagnosis and Concerns
Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
Questions related to anemia? Hello: I have a history of anemia and previously received treatment with iron injections. Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness. I went for an examination, and my blood count is better than before (not as low as it used to be). The doc...
Dr. Xie Rongyuan Reply:
Hello: (1) Oral iron supplements can treat iron deficiency anemia, but they are ineffective for thalassemia. (2) There are many causes of dizziness, not just anemia; for example, issues with the inner ear balance system or problems in the brain can also cause dizziness. It is bes...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Causes of Dizziness and Treatment Options
Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health
Regarding issues with red blood cells? Hello, doctor. Since I was young, during every blood test for health check-ups, the doctors have always reminded me that my red blood cell volume is low and my hemoglobin levels are also low. I still remember a doctor from Changhua Christian...
Dr. Cai Zonglin Reply:
Low hemoglobin (Hb) levels may result in symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, palpitations, and pallor. Low hemoglobin does not necessarily correlate with low hematocrit, as it depends on the type of anemia. Further evaluation may be required, including tests for serum iron level...[Read More] Understanding Low Red Blood Cell Count and Its Implications for Health
Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Blood report, please help me interpret it? White blood cell count: 4.7, red blood cell count: 4.73, hemoglobin: 6.5, MCV: <50, MCH: 13.7, MCHC: 27.7, platelet count: 481, neutrophil percentage: 60.0, lymphocyte percentage: 32.8. Is this indicative of anemia? Could continuous...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Hello, Xiao-Wen: An MCV of less than 50 indicates two possible conditions: iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia. In iron deficiency anemia, platelet counts tend to increase; however, in thalassemia, they do not. To determine whether it is iron deficiency anemia or thalassemia, f...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Anemia and High Platelet Count Explained
Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
School health check-up? White Blood Cell Count (WBC): 7.6 Hemoglobin (HGB): 7.1 Red Blood Cell Count (RBC): 5.52 Hematocrit (Ht): 29.8 Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV): 54 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH): 12.9 Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC): 13.8 A...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your question, the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is 54 fL, red blood cell count is 5.52 million cells/mL, hemoglobin (Hb) is in grams per deciliter, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is 12.9 picograms per cell, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (...[Read More] Understanding School Health Checkups: Insights on Blood Test Results
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Types
Mediterranean anemia (also known as Thalassemia) Hello, Dr. Wang! Recently, I have been experiencing frequent dizziness, and everyone says my complexion looks poor. Therefore, I visited a nearby hospital for a blood test, and the results are as follows: WBC 4.5, RBC 3.96, Hb 8.8,...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Based on the above data, it is not iron deficiency anemia; further examination is needed to determine if there are other diseases causing anemia or if it is thalassemia.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Types
Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
Mediterranean anemia Hello Dr. Hsiao, I am a patient with thalassemia and often feel dizzy and have headaches due to brain hypoxia. I would like to ask if there are any ways to improve this condition. Thank you! Wishing you peace and joy, Ms. An.
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is primarily caused by genetic defects and is commonly classified into alpha and beta types. The alpha type is located on the 16th pair of chromosomes, containing four alpha genes; the beta type is found on the 11th pair of ...[Read More] Improving Symptoms of Thalassemia: Tips for Better Oxygenation
Anemia Concerns: Do I Really Need a Blood Transfusion?
Anemia! Is a blood transfusion necessary? Hello, Doctor: I often feel dizzy and almost faint. 1. Before feeling dizzy, I experience some pain and tightness in my heart. 2. I have a tendency to become easily irritable. 3. I feel very fatigued every day. 4. My limbs often feel sore...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Dear Ms. Hsiao, According to your blood test report, you are classified as having "microcytic anemia." The more common causes are iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. Your hemoglobin level is at #9 (which is low), and if you require a blood transfusion to raise your...[Read More] Anemia Concerns: Do I Really Need a Blood Transfusion?
Is My Blood Test Normal? Understanding MCV and Anemia Concerns
Could you please provide more details about the report in question? Hello Doctor: A few days ago, my health check report came out. One item was highlighted in red, M.C.V 97.7, and the comments below indicated possible microcytic anemia, iron deficiency anemia, or thalassemia, sug...
Dr. Xiao Yongxun Reply:
Hello: In response to your questions. 1. Anemia is a common clinical symptom, typically referring to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, hemoglobin levels, or hematocrit. MCV stands for mean corpuscular volume, which indicates the average volume of red blood cells, mea...[Read More] Is My Blood Test Normal? Understanding MCV and Anemia Concerns
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Is it Mediterranean anemia? Hello Dr. Yao, 1. Three years ago, I had an examination at Keelung Hospital, where Dr. A diagnosed me with thalassemia, but Dr. B said I did not have it, explaining that thalassemia is not the same as Mediterranean anemia. I didn't understand, bu...
Dr. Yao Quan Reply:
Hello, it is difficult to determine why the diagnoses from the two physicians differ. Is it possible that the two physicians had access to different information? Thalassemia is caused by abnormalities in hemoglobin. A hemoglobin electrophoresis test can be used for diagnosis. Pat...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Conflicting Diagnoses and Symptoms
Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
How to reduce jaundice in patients with type A thalassemia? Hello Doctor, I believe I have Alpha-thalassemia with Hemoglobin H disease! Since I was 20 years old, I have gradually experienced jaundice. I went to a hematology clinic for liver function tests and ultrasound, and all ...
Dr. Cai Zonglong Reply:
Hello: The jaundice caused by thalassemia is primarily due to increased destruction during the production of white blood cells, and it is less related to the spleen. Splenectomy or embolization may provide some benefit, but it can also weaken the immune system, so it is not advis...[Read More] Managing Jaundice in Patients with Alpha-Thalassemia: Options and Insights
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Implications
Mediterranean anemia Hello, Dr. Wang! Several years ago, I had a blood test at the hospital, and the doctor indicated that my red blood cell volume was small, suspecting thalassemia or iron deficiency anemia. However, the doctor stated that treatment was not necessary and did not...
Dr. Wang Fangli Reply:
Serum iron concentration, total iron-binding capacity, and ferritin levels should be re-evaluated to differentiate between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia. A lymphocyte percentage of 15.5% indicates a low proportion of lymphocytes in the white blood cell count (normal rang...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Implications