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What Does The Haemoglobin Level Of 5.5 Indicate?
Question: Hi, I have a 5.5 haemoglobin level, and my ferritin iron test result just came out today, which is only 1. what should I do now? Am I in serious danger? thanks
Brief Answer:
Not in danger, continue oral iron therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Hemoglobin of 5.5g% is moderate anemia. If it slowly developed, your body would have adjusted to reduced oxygenation overtime.
2. Two options are available for treatment:
a. Oral iron therapy. - You are already taking it and you can continue it.
b. Parenteral therapy - Taking iron infusions - risk of allergic reaction present, so usually avoided. If you are intolerant to oral iron, iron infusions can be thought of.
3. If you have any breathlessness or if hemoglobin reduces further or if any active bleeding is present, then you might need blood transfusion.
4. Vit C should be taken with iron supplements to improve absorption. Its already present in your medication. Absorption limit is present, so taking more medication, wont be helpful.
5. Get a reticulocyte count test after 15 days, if it is more than 4-5g%, bone marrow is functioning well and responding to iron medication.
6. By oral therapy, correction will take upto 3-4 months for hemoglobin and serum ferritin both.
You are not in danger. Continue iron therapy.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Not in danger, continue oral iron therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking.
I am Dr. Jyothi BL and I will be answering your query.
Based on your query, my opinion is as follows:
1. Hemoglobin of 5.5g% is moderate anemia. If it slowly developed, your body would have adjusted to reduced oxygenation overtime.
2. Two options are available for treatment:
a. Oral iron therapy. - You are already taking it and you can continue it.
b. Parenteral therapy - Taking iron infusions - risk of allergic reaction present, so usually avoided. If you are intolerant to oral iron, iron infusions can be thought of.
3. If you have any breathlessness or if hemoglobin reduces further or if any active bleeding is present, then you might need blood transfusion.
4. Vit C should be taken with iron supplements to improve absorption. Its already present in your medication. Absorption limit is present, so taking more medication, wont be helpful.
5. Get a reticulocyte count test after 15 days, if it is more than 4-5g%, bone marrow is functioning well and responding to iron medication.
6. By oral therapy, correction will take upto 3-4 months for hemoglobin and serum ferritin both.
You are not in danger. Continue iron therapy.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
thank you. is my puffy eyes (especially when i wake up in the morning and at night) associated with iron deficiency?
Brief Answer:
Not related to iron deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
No, puffy eyes could be due to tiredness, due to your overall weak hemoglobin levels. Low oxygenation could be causing increased tiredness, which is being manifested in this manner.
Puffiness of face, usually would have suspected renal disease. However, your renal function is normal. So, its more due to low hemoglobin induced tiredness.
Iron deficiency, do not have symptoms like this.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Not related to iron deficiency.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
No, puffy eyes could be due to tiredness, due to your overall weak hemoglobin levels. Low oxygenation could be causing increased tiredness, which is being manifested in this manner.
Puffiness of face, usually would have suspected renal disease. However, your renal function is normal. So, its more due to low hemoglobin induced tiredness.
Iron deficiency, do not have symptoms like this.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
thank you. My menstrual started yesterday and when I woke up this morning, I feel a bit of dizziness. How should I take care of myself at home and when should I go to hospital? Thanks again Dr XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Bit of dizziness is normal for you now.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Mild dizziness is common, during periods. Avoid rapid movements.
Take plenty of fluids, particularly fruit juices. Avoid coffee, tea or caffeine unless necessary, as it reduces iron absorption.
Eat nutritionally and regularly. Avoid skipping meals. Continue medications as advised.
When excessive bleeding (more than your usual) or low blood pressure, then only, you need to go to hospital. I do not think, it would be necessary with your hemoglobin. Mild weakness and dizziness is common due to both low hemoglobin and periods.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Bit of dizziness is normal for you now.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
Mild dizziness is common, during periods. Avoid rapid movements.
Take plenty of fluids, particularly fruit juices. Avoid coffee, tea or caffeine unless necessary, as it reduces iron absorption.
Eat nutritionally and regularly. Avoid skipping meals. Continue medications as advised.
When excessive bleeding (more than your usual) or low blood pressure, then only, you need to go to hospital. I do not think, it would be necessary with your hemoglobin. Mild weakness and dizziness is common due to both low hemoglobin and periods.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
thank you. i feel relieve to know at least it is normal for me now. Do you think I should consult a gynecologist for medication to reduce menstrual so that I wont further loss iron/haemoglobin?
Also, I have started oral iron therapy for a week already, and reticulocyte count should be next week, but I am having period now, will it be affected by menstrual?
Also, I have started oral iron therapy for a week already, and reticulocyte count should be next week, but I am having period now, will it be affected by menstrual?
Brief Answer:
No, reticulocyte count will not be affected.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
If the bleeding is more than normal (usual loss is around 50 ml, which is not a problem), then you can consult a gynecologist. Otherwise, not necessary.
No, reticulocyte count would not be affected at present. If you had no iron deficiency, it would have mildly increased, but due to iron deficiency, it would not.
If it improves, 4-5%, then your bone marrow is functioning well and no other investigation necessary and you can continue with the treatment, until hemoglobin level returns to normal of 14-16g%.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
No, reticulocyte count will not be affected.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for asking again.
If the bleeding is more than normal (usual loss is around 50 ml, which is not a problem), then you can consult a gynecologist. Otherwise, not necessary.
No, reticulocyte count would not be affected at present. If you had no iron deficiency, it would have mildly increased, but due to iron deficiency, it would not.
If it improves, 4-5%, then your bone marrow is functioning well and no other investigation necessary and you can continue with the treatment, until hemoglobin level returns to normal of 14-16g%.
Hope it helps.
Any further queries, happy to help again.
If you do not have any further queries, you can close the discussion and rate the answer.
Dr. Jyothi BL
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. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
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