Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Bilirubin in Mediterranean Anemia Hello, Doctor: I have been diagnosed with Beta-thalassemia. In previous follow-ups, my hemoglobin levels were around 9.3 g/dL, red blood cell count was 4.5 M/uL, total bilirubin was approximately 6.0 mg/dL, and direct bilirubin was 0.4 mg/dL. In ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. Yes, both anemia and hemolysis have worsened. However, this congenital thalassemia should not change with aging, so there must be something that has happened recently. Have you had a cold? Taken medications indiscriminately? Used traditional Chinese medicine? Consumed...[Read More] Understanding Bilirubin Levels in Beta-Thalassemia: Causes and Concerns
Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia: Key Questions for Your Follow-Up
Follow-up Issues for Iron Deficiency Anemia Dear Doctor, I was diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia in April and have been taking a long-term prescription (Ferrous Sulfate 150mg, twice a day) for three months. I was originally scheduled for a blood test next week and a follow-up...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: 1. No. 2. Yes. Generally, as long as the hemoglobin levels return to normal, the medication will be discontinued; it is not taken for a lifetime.[Read More] Managing Iron Deficiency Anemia: Key Questions for Your Follow-Up
Understanding Anemia: Insights from Four Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Issues
Anemia status from four blood test reports? Hello, Doctor. I have had a total of four blood tests from last year to this year. In March of last year: Red blood cell count: 4.6 (4.5-5.9), Hemoglobin: 13.6 (13.5-17.5), Hematocrit: 41 (41-53), Mean corpuscular volume: 87 (80-100), G...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: To me, your report is considered normal, and I will directly dismiss it in the outpatient clinic. The numbers are not fixed values; this is quite common. Thank you.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Insights from Four Blood Tests and Gastrointestinal Issues
Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Anemia issues Dear Doctor, my previous blood test report indicated that I have anemia, with a hemoglobin level of 9.8. Is this value considered very low? Is it serious? What could happen if I ignore it?
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
For a 33-year-old woman, a level of 9.8 is somewhat low. It is recommended to first consult a hematologist to investigate the cause of anemia. Identifying the underlying cause is essential for appropriate treatment.[Read More] Understanding Anemia in Oncology: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 9.8 Serious?
Understanding Anemia: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 8 Serious?
Anemia issues Hello, doctor. Is a hemoglobin level of 8 considered very serious? What will happen if it is left untreated? Thank you.
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: The normal hemoglobin level for females is 12 g/dL, and a level of only 8 g/dL is considered very low. This can lead to symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath with exertion, palpitations, and hair loss. Whether the condition worsens if left untreated depends on th...[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Is a Hemoglobin Level of 8 Serious?
Understanding Causes of Normocytic Anemia: Is It Myeloma or Throat Bleeding?
The causes of normocytic anemia can vary, but in your case, the most likely reasons could include chronic disease, acute blood loss, or renal insufficiency? Hello Doctor, on August 22nd of this year, I suddenly experienced significant bleeding from my throat, with more than four ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Causes of normocytic anemia may include bleeding or hemolysis; it appears to be acute anemia caused by hematemesis. It is recommended to follow up with further testing after three months, provided there are no discomforting symptoms.[Read More] Understanding Causes of Normocytic Anemia: Is It Myeloma or Throat Bleeding?
Morning Dizziness and Nausea: Is It Related to Anemia?
Dizziness and nausea? I would like to ask if feeling dizzy and nauseous upon waking in the morning is related to anemia?
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Not very relevant.[Read More] Morning Dizziness and Nausea: Is It Related to Anemia?
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Inquiry about anemia issues? Hello, doctor. My health check report shows the following values: white blood cell count 7030, red blood cell count 420, hemoglobin 9.3, hematocrit 32.5, mean corpuscular volume 77.4, mean corpuscular hemoglobin 22.1, mean corpuscular hemoglobin conce...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Common causes of anemia in young women, aside from thalassemia, include iron deficiency anemia, which is also quite prevalent. I believe your report may more likely suggest iron deficiency as the cause. You can visit a hematology clinic for a blood test to confirm. If it i...[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Next Steps
Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Mediterranean anemia (also known as thalassemia) Hello, doctor. I have thalassemia, and due to my job, I undergo annual health check-ups. Here are my hemoglobin reports from the past few years: 2016: 11.9, 2017: 11.8, 2018: 11.7, 2019: 10.3, 2020: 12.2. This year, my test results...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It is a normal phenomenon. For patients with thalassemia, a hemoglobin level above 9 is generally acceptable.[Read More] Understanding Mediterranean Anemia: Is a Normal Hemoglobin Level Possible?
Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Blood test issues and groin mass? Hello doctor, last month I was diagnosed with endometriosis, and to assess for anemia, I underwent a blood test. The report showed two abnormalities: neutrophils at 76.9% and lymphocytes at 16.7%, while other white blood cells and red blood cells...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
The normal range for white blood cells (WBC) is 4,000 to 12,000 cells per microliter. White blood cells can be further classified into neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, and others. Therefore, a neutrophil percentage of 76.9% and a lymphocyte percentage of 16.7% represent a rat...[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Anomalies and Groin Lump Concerns
Understanding Anemia: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology Patients
Dizziness and headache? Hello Doctor: Recently, I had a health check at my company, and the results showed that my blood test was abnormal: Hb 9.7, Hct 32.1, MCV 69.4, MCH 20.9, MCHC 30.2, RDW 16.8, PLT 516. Is this anemia considered severe? Thank you for taking the time to read ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It appears to be moderate iron deficiency anemia. It is recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation.[Read More] Understanding Anemia: Symptoms and Concerns in Oncology Patients
Does Iron Supplementation Cause Increased Platelet Count in Anemia Patients?
Increased platelet count? Hello Dr. Hu, I am currently being treated for anemia. After taking iron supplements for two weeks, my recent blood test showed that my platelet count increased to 418, compared to 377 two weeks ago. Is this related to taking the iron supplements? Thank ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Yes, in the early stages of iron supplementation therapy for iron deficiency anemia, there may be a temporary increase in platelet count.[Read More] Does Iron Supplementation Cause Increased Platelet Count in Anemia Patients?
Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Blood disorders Hello, doctor. Recently, I noticed that I have bruises around my knees. The last time, there were about 6-7 small bruises on my knee, not large ones. They eventually faded away. Last week, I saw 4 bruises, and they went away as well. Today, I noticed one bruise on...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello: Regarding your symptoms, please visit a hematology-oncology specialist and an immunology-rheumatology specialist for evaluation. The doctor will perform a physical examination and determine whether a biopsy or blood tests are necessary. Treatment, prescriptions, or diagnos...[Read More] Understanding Bruising and Blood Disorders: Is It Blood Cancer?
Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Is the unusual pain in the shoulder, neck, and armpit after the third chemotherapy session for breast cancer a sign of bone metastasis? Multiple tumors in the right breast (1.8 cm, and ductal carcinoma in situ) with three lymph nodes affected. After surgical removal, an eight-cyc...
Dr. Lai Yicheng Reply:
Hello, Ms. Lee: Question: Should I get follow-up examinations for signs of metastasis? Response: Bone metastasis commonly occurs in the axial skeleton, such as the spine, pelvis, ribs, and skull, as well as the ends of long bones (such as the femur and humerus). Patients often ...[Read More] Is Shoulder and Neck Pain After Chemotherapy a Sign of Bone Metastasis?
Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Implications for Blood Disorders
Low neutrophil count? Hello Doctor: I was splashed with chloramphenicol on my face on August 8, 2018. I had a blood test on August 13, 2018, and the results were as follows: WBC: 6.51*10^3/μL (reference range 3.9~10.6*10^3/μL), Seg/CBC: 40% (reference range 42~74%), Lym/CBC: 47.2...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: Based on your numbers, it does not appear to be "aplastic anemia," which is a very serious condition characterized by severe pancytopenia (which differs significantly from your report). From your report, I do not see any particular abnormalities. Thank you for yo...[Read More] Understanding Low Neutrophil Levels: Implications for Blood Disorders
Assessing the Risk of Leukemia Recurrence After Childhood Recovery
What is the likelihood of leukemia relapse? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia in my childhood and have been in remission since then. I stopped follow-up during middle school until last year and this year when I underwent a health check at work. Last ...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: First of all, after so many years, I hope your leukemia has improved. However, you should have been going to the hematology department for blood tests once a year for follow-up. Secondly, since you have anemia, you should also visit the hematology department to get medicat...[Read More] Assessing the Risk of Leukemia Recurrence After Childhood Recovery
Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Iron supplements have been taken, but hemoglobin levels have not increased; only iron levels have risen? Hello Doctor: I was diagnosed with anemia around November of last year, with a hemoglobin level of approximately 8.9 and iron levels at 14. My family physician diagnosed me wi...
Dr. Chen Yunfang Reply:
Hello: For females, the definition of iron deficiency anemia is a serum ferritin level of less than 10 ng/mL. You may not have iron deficiency anemia, so supplementing iron may not effectively improve your anemia (although it may increase the total iron levels). There are many ca...[Read More] Why Is Hemoglobin Not Rising Despite Iron Supplementation?
Understanding Coagulation Issues: Bruising, Bleeding, and Anemia Concerns
Coagulation function Hello Doctor: Recently, I have been experiencing unexplained bruising on my legs and numerous petechiae under the skin. In late September, I underwent a complete blood count, which showed anemia but normal results for everything else (I have thalassemia). In ...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
I recommend that you go to the hematology department for a follow-up examination; however, leukemia does not have a hereditary tendency, so there is no need to worry too much.[Read More] Understanding Coagulation Issues: Bruising, Bleeding, and Anemia Concerns
Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Blood test Hello Doctor: I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for some time, so I went for a blood test. I would like to ask about the significance or implications of the following values: 1. Lymphocytes: 15.6 (normal range: 19.0-48.0) 2. Hemoglobin: 11 (normal range: 11.3-1...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
Initially, there appears to be anemia and thrombocytosis.[Read More] Understanding Blood Test Results: Key Indicators for Lymphoma Concerns
Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention
Easy bruising? Your question: Hello doctor, I recently noticed that my legs bruise easily, with multiple bruises and many petechiae on my skin. I had a cold a while ago, and since then my body temperature has been slightly elevated, around 37.3°C. There was one occasion when my t...
Dr. Hu Ziren Reply:
It initially appears to have iron deficiency anemia; it is recommended to consult a hematologist for further evaluation. Thank you![Read More] Understanding Easy Bruising: When to Seek Medical Attention