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What Do My Blood Test Results Indicate?
Question: Yes - thanks - I would love a hematologist's advice. I have Thalassemia trait - (minor) and my father had it, brother has it and i have it. My Hemaglobin, hematocrit, MCV MCH and platelets are all lower than normal. I assume this means my red blood cells are shaped funny or tinier or dont hold hemaglobin so well and/ or cells don't carry oxygen so well. I mostly feel fine - sometimes a little tired.
Should i take an iron supplement every day? Or will this do nothing or even be inadvisable. I'm confused weather i have too many red blood cells - too few - iron deficiency or not.
Should i take an iron supplement every day? Or will this do nothing or even be inadvisable. I'm confused weather i have too many red blood cells - too few - iron deficiency or not.
Brief Answer:
No iron supplementation is required in routine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Thalassemia is trait is characterised by low hemoglobin, low hematocrit, low MCV, low MCH and low MCHC.
Thalassemia trait does not require any treatment usually.
However, in periods of stress like surgery, disease , pregnancy in females, there may be iron deficiency.
During this period iron supplementation or even blood transfusion may be required.
People with thallasemia trait lead a near normal life.
You need to keep in mind that your partner does not suffer form thallasemia trait or disease since it can cause thallasemia major in your child.
Sxcreening test - hemoglobin electrophoresis will be required in your partner for screening any hemoglobinopathy.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
No iron supplementation is required in routine.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic.
Thalassemia is trait is characterised by low hemoglobin, low hematocrit, low MCV, low MCH and low MCHC.
Thalassemia trait does not require any treatment usually.
However, in periods of stress like surgery, disease , pregnancy in females, there may be iron deficiency.
During this period iron supplementation or even blood transfusion may be required.
People with thallasemia trait lead a near normal life.
You need to keep in mind that your partner does not suffer form thallasemia trait or disease since it can cause thallasemia major in your child.
Sxcreening test - hemoglobin electrophoresis will be required in your partner for screening any hemoglobinopathy.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Dr. Puri
Thank you so much.
May i ask about oxegennation? I am in NYC but sometimes at higher altitude, as when i visit XXXXXXX - i feel out of breath. I think because of my low hemaglobin this makes sense. Is there anything i can do about this? Does exercise increase oxegenation in red blood cells in Thalassemia minor and with more exercise in my daily routine in NYC can aerobic exercise on a regular basis improve this?
Thank you so much.
May i ask about oxegennation? I am in NYC but sometimes at higher altitude, as when i visit XXXXXXX - i feel out of breath. I think because of my low hemaglobin this makes sense. Is there anything i can do about this? Does exercise increase oxegenation in red blood cells in Thalassemia minor and with more exercise in my daily routine in NYC can aerobic exercise on a regular basis improve this?
Brief Answer:
Breathing difficulty is due to low partial pressure of O2.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Difficulty in breathing at higher altitude is common in normal healthy individuals due to low partial pressure of oxygen (O2).
Acclimatization is required for few days to get used to low partial pressure of oxygen.
Regular aerobic exercises increase the stamina and improve the cardiovascular health of an individual.
Aerobic exercises help to improve blood supply to all tissues and organs.
Thus, you take up aerobic exercises under guidance of a trainer.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Breathing difficulty is due to low partial pressure of O2.
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome again,
Difficulty in breathing at higher altitude is common in normal healthy individuals due to low partial pressure of oxygen (O2).
Acclimatization is required for few days to get used to low partial pressure of oxygen.
Regular aerobic exercises increase the stamina and improve the cardiovascular health of an individual.
Aerobic exercises help to improve blood supply to all tissues and organs.
Thus, you take up aerobic exercises under guidance of a trainer.
Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja Puri
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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