Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
I Had A Chat With Dr. Vaishalee Punj Last Month
Question: I had a chat with Dr. Vaishalee Punj last month and she had suggested me some lab test based on my health report. I have got the lab report now and I wanted to consult her on the same.
Brief Answer:
The report pointing towards beta Thalassemia trait
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Thanks for reverting with the reports.
The report is positive for a mild beta thalassemia trait. It is a genetic problem causing low blood. Red blood cells are getting destroyed at a faster rate than normal. It may create mild anemia-like symptoms for you.
Since its a trait (heterozygous) in you, you may not need blood transfusions. But you check in your families, if your relatives have low blood or require transfusions. That would confirm your diagnosis (and would confirm their diagnosis too). Make sure that you donot marry someone with beta thalassemia in family. Don't marry to even distant relatives. It may get passed to children.
Taking iron supplements is not helpful in Thalassemias. You are having mild iron overload, probably due to iron supplements or it could be due to thalassemia itself. Have you been taking iron supplements?Kindly avoid iron supplements. It will take a few months for iron levels to normalise.
The scenario is not worrisome and doesnot require any tratment currently.
Feel free to ask any specific doubts in regards to this diagnosis.
Dr Vaishalee
The report pointing towards beta Thalassemia trait
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
Thanks for reverting with the reports.
The report is positive for a mild beta thalassemia trait. It is a genetic problem causing low blood. Red blood cells are getting destroyed at a faster rate than normal. It may create mild anemia-like symptoms for you.
Since its a trait (heterozygous) in you, you may not need blood transfusions. But you check in your families, if your relatives have low blood or require transfusions. That would confirm your diagnosis (and would confirm their diagnosis too). Make sure that you donot marry someone with beta thalassemia in family. Don't marry to even distant relatives. It may get passed to children.
Taking iron supplements is not helpful in Thalassemias. You are having mild iron overload, probably due to iron supplements or it could be due to thalassemia itself. Have you been taking iron supplements?Kindly avoid iron supplements. It will take a few months for iron levels to normalise.
The scenario is not worrisome and doesnot require any tratment currently.
Feel free to ask any specific doubts in regards to this diagnosis.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Hello Ma'm
Thanks a bunch for your prompt response.
I have a few Follow-up queries:
1. Which test do I need to advise my parent?
2. Does that mean I would never be able to donate blood?
3. I'm not taking any Iron supplement at the moment but I do follow a properly balanced diet every day along with daily workouts. I'll ensure I don't consume much of food with high Iron content.
Thanks a bunch for your prompt response.
I have a few Follow-up queries:
1. Which test do I need to advise my parent?
2. Does that mean I would never be able to donate blood?
3. I'm not taking any Iron supplement at the moment but I do follow a properly balanced diet every day along with daily workouts. I'll ensure I don't consume much of food with high Iron content.
I remember you had mentioned that I have iron deficiency after looking into my health report last time and that's why I had increased my consumption of food with high iron content but I didn't take any supplement as such:)
Brief Answer:
Avoid taking iron rich foods
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I will answer your queries specifically
1. They can also rule out thalassemia by doing hemoglobin HPLC/Electrophoresis. CBC, Liver function tests, serum iron levels are also needed.
2. You can donate blood as long as your hb is above 12. But we donot want you to experience anemia symptoms after donating blood.
3. Yes avoid taking iron rich foods. It is not iron deficiency anemia.
Dr Vaishalee
Avoid taking iron rich foods
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
I will answer your queries specifically
1. They can also rule out thalassemia by doing hemoglobin HPLC/Electrophoresis. CBC, Liver function tests, serum iron levels are also needed.
2. You can donate blood as long as your hb is above 12. But we donot want you to experience anemia symptoms after donating blood.
3. Yes avoid taking iron rich foods. It is not iron deficiency anemia.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks again for your prompt response.
I'm suggesting this test to my parent.
https://www.1mg.com/labs/dhanbad/packages/summer-special-health-checkup-33251-117
Could you please confirm if this would suffice the test that you have mentioned above.
Thanks
Abhishek
I'm suggesting this test to my parent.
https://www.1mg.com/labs/dhanbad/packages/summer-special-health-checkup-33251-117
Could you please confirm if this would suffice the test that you have mentioned above.
Thanks
Abhishek
Brief Answer:
hemoglobin HPLC needed alongwith the test selected by you
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
This package of tests seems like a nice package for the money.
I am suspecting either one or both your parents to be having Thalassemia trait. So hemoglobin HPLC is to be added to the list of above tests.
Dr Vaishalee
hemoglobin HPLC needed alongwith the test selected by you
Detailed Answer:
Hi again
This package of tests seems like a nice package for the money.
I am suspecting either one or both your parents to be having Thalassemia trait. So hemoglobin HPLC is to be added to the list of above tests.
Dr Vaishalee
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
