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Anemia
This category is for questions about the lack of red blood cells or hemoglobin called anemia: its symptoms, causes, and treatment.
936 Questions
I am 34 year old software professional. I never had any problem thalassemia before. It is not even in my family. Suddenly I found that My blood parameter looks ab normal ( see below). Any comment?
Hb A 90.8%
Hb A2 7%
Hb F 2.2% RBC count 6.23 million/cu mm
Haemoglobin 12.8 g/dl
Haematocrit[PCV] 38.2%
MCV 61.3 fl
MCH 20.5 pg
MCHC 33.5 g/dl
Platelet count 179000 /cu.mm
What are some common names of iron supplements that treat anemia?
Ferrous Sulphate and Ferrous Fumerate are the two that come immediately to mind.
How does the environment affect sickle cell disease?
The blood cells can't carry as much oxygen as they should be able to carry. So the body gets less oxygen.
What is the difference between vitamin b12 injectorable and vitamin b12 oral?
The injectable form is a liquid and is injected by you or your doctor up to twice a week depending on your needs. The oral form is usually a pill or a sublingual lozenge. Many doctors don't recommend the pill form because isn't absorbed well in people that lack a glycoprotein called intrinsic factor in the stomach. A sublingual lozenge dissolves under the tongue and is absorbed through the thin membrane into the blood vessels. Therefore the sublingual or the injectable forms would be preferable.
Can you catch sickle cell if you kiss someone with sickle cell?
NO, Sickle Cell Anemia is a Genetic Disorder that you inherit from your Parents. You are either born with it or not.
Sickle-cell anemia is an example of a point-mutation?
An example of point-mutation is sickle-cell anemia. Sickle-cell disease is hereditary.
What is Thalassemia Intermediate?
A condition intermediate between the major and minor forms. Affected individuals can often manage a normal life but may need occasional transfusions, e.g., at times of illness or pregnancy, depending on the severity of their anemia.
What is physiological anaemia of pregnancy?
When you are pregnant you have to make more blood to supply the growing uterus, placenta and baby. However the production of red blood cells cannot keep up with the production of liquid blood and therefore your hemoglobin drops. Most well-nourished women have ample capacity and won't become anemic, but if a woman is teetering on the edge of anemia, pregnancy can push her over. However the body has a wonderful mechanism and the most important parts (brain and baby) always get sufficient blood/oxygen. Also the blood loss at delivery seems to be very liquid and many women who have a low Hb prior to delivery seem to have a higher one afterwards. Not to minimise the dangers of anemia and/or blood loss you understand.
Hemolytic anemias are conditions in which the blood is low in oxygen because the red blood cells are breaking down at a faster rate than their normal life expectancy of 120 days.
How is Sideroblastic Anemia caught?
Sideroblastic anemia can be inherited, but the disease is usually acquired as a result of illness or exposure to toxic substances.
What is the genotype for sickle cell anemia?
homozygous recessive (rr) & Heterozygous (Rr) homozygous recessive (rr) & Heterozygous (Rr)
Fish tapeworm is an infection with a parasite found in fish.
Alternative NamesDiphyllobothriasis
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum), is the largest parasite that infects humans. Humans become infected when they eat raw or undercooked freshwater fish that contain fish tapeworm cysts.
The infection is seen in many areas where humans eat uncooked or undercooked fish from rivers or lakes, including:
- African countries in which freshwater fish are eaten
- Eastern Europe
- North and South America
- Scandinavia
- Some Asian countries
After a person has eaten infected fish, the larva begin to grow in the intestine. Larvae are fully grown in 3 - 6 weeks. The adult worm, which is segmented, may reach a length of 30 feet. Eggs are formed in each segment of the worm and are passed in the stool. Sometimes, parts of the worm may also be passed in the stool.
Fish tapeworm infection may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency and megaloblastic anemia.
SymptomsMost people who are infected have no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they may include:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Weight loss
People who are infected sometimes pass segments of worm in their stools. These segments can be seen in the stool.
Tests may include:
- Complete blood count, including differential
- Stool examination for eggs and parasites
You will receive medicines to fight the parasites. You take these medicines by mouth, usually in a single dose.
The drug of choice for tapeworm infections is praziquantal. Niclosamide can also be used. You may need vitamin B12 injections or supplements to treat megaloblastic anemia that can occur with this infection.
Expectations (prognosis)Fish tapeworms can be removed with a single treatment dose. There are no lasting effects.
Complications- Megaloblastic anemia
- Intestinal blockage
Call your health care provider if:
- You have noticed a worm or segments of a worm in your stool
- Any family members have symptoms of pernicious anemia
Avoiding raw freshwater fish and cooking fish enough (to more than 140 degrees F for 5 minutes) will prevent infection with the fish tapeworm. Freezing fish to -4 degrees F for 24 hours also kills fish tapeworm eggs.
ReferencesWhite Jr AC, Brunetti E. Cestodes. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 362.
King CH, Fairley JK. Cestodes (tapeworm). In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 290.
Reviewed ByReview Date: 08/24/2011
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Jatin M. Vyas, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor in Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Assistant in Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
Does thalassemia minor cause dizziness?
Yes. Thalassemia minor can cause someone to be anemic (reduced hemoglobin concentration or red blood cell count). One of the many symptoms of anemia is vertigo or dizziness.
Most people with thalassemia minor do not exhibit symptoms. Typically, differences can only be perceived when engaging in strenuous activities or exercise. There is currently no 'recommended' treatment for thalassemia minor because of this, but prescription medications, genetic therapies, or blood transfusions can be pursued if symptoms worsen.
If you go to the doctor for this, expect to have another blood test to reassess your Complete Blood Count (CBC) which is a basic lab test for anemic individuals.
NOTE: Thalassemia minor can severely worsen in pregnant women, who may need to take Iron/Folate/Vitamin B12 supplements.
Can an Iron Deficient anemia make you blow a higher Blood alcohol level?
No your blood alcohol content (bac) is determined by home much alcohol is in you system. How ever anemia can cause you to feel more intoxicated.
Can sickle cell be known before birth?
Yes! If both parents have the sickle cell disease, the child will have sickle cell. Otherwise, you can Google it or bing it to see other ways.
Would a karyotype reveal the presence of a sickle-cell disease?
No a karyotype would not reveal the presence of sickle cell because karyotypes are pictures of all of your chromosomes, so it could show the presence of Down syndrome, but not sickle cell disease.
What 3 blood test might be ordered if anemia is suspected?
Red Blood Cell (RBC) Count, Hemoglobin and Hematocrit.
I am not sure but I think it might be by the amount of iron inside the plasma of the blood.
