HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Obese, Sleep Apnea, Using Bipap Machine. Blood Work Showed Slightly Anemic. Can This Be Treated With Diet And Supplements?

I am a male 48 obese with sleep apnea. I do use a bpap machine. Had blood work done and I came back slightly anemic. Hemoglobin was like 12. Everything else appeared to be fine. Should I be concerned about major problems causing the low red blood cell count or is it likely something that can be treated with diet. And supplements?
Tue, 23 Jul 2013
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
At 48 years.the cause for your anemia needs to be evaluated. Anemia may be either due to excessive blood loss or faulty production.If no obvious blood loss is visible,the tests need to be done to find occult causes.For example microscopic blood loss from the GI tract may be found by testing for stool occult blood.If this does not yield any positive result then a search for deficiencies of raw materials including iron ,vitamins need to be done.The manufacturing apparatus that is the bone marrow need to be examined.Peripheral blood smear will help.Once the cause of anemia is established and treated,management of anemia becomes simple.Taking only supplements for correction of anemia may not help much in the long run.So,its advisable that you consult your physician,do a thorough evaluation and then decide with the physician regarding the best future course of action, whether supplements or whatever.
I find this answer helpful
Note: Do you have more questions on diagnosis or treatment of blood disorders? Ask An Expert/ Specialist Now
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Recent questions on Sleep disorder


Loading Online Doctors....
Obese, Sleep Apnea, Using Bipap Machine. Blood Work Showed Slightly Anemic. Can This Be Treated With Diet And Supplements?

At 48 years.the cause for your anemia needs to be evaluated. Anemia may be either due to excessive blood loss or faulty production.If no obvious blood loss is visible,the tests need to be done to find occult causes.For example microscopic blood loss from the GI tract may be found by testing for stool occult blood.If this does not yield any positive result then a search for deficiencies of raw materials including iron ,vitamins need to be done.The manufacturing apparatus that is the bone marrow need to be examined.Peripheral blood smear will help.Once the cause of anemia is established and treated,management of anemia becomes simple.Taking only supplements for correction of anemia may not help much in the long run.So,its advisable that you consult your physician,do a thorough evaluation and then decide with the physician regarding the best future course of action, whether supplements or whatever.