Question 1

I am a 22 year old male suffering from hormonal acne. My blood report shows RBC count 6.71 (high), MCV 72.3 (low), MCH 22.8 (low), RDW-CV 18.4 (high), and the remaining blood report is normal. Which strength of isotretinoin should I use? Please prescribe the dosage.

Accepted Answer

Question 2

I have my recent blood report with the following results:
WBC: 9600 /microlitre
Hemoglobin (Hb): 60 percent
Platelets (P): 68 x 10000/microlitre
Lymphocytes (L): 26 percent
Eosinophils (E): 6 percent
ESR: 20 mm/hr
Could you please help me understand what these values indicate and whether I need to consult a doctor?

Accepted Answer

Question 3

I have been experiencing skin loss in the middle region of my tongue for over 1.5 years. I have already taken several vitamin supplements, including B12, and my blood tests appear normal. I am not diabetic. I am highly sensitive to spicy foods, which causes loosening of the upper palate area. I also experience dry mouth at night and occasionally remove candida growth using a soft brush. Could this be atrophic glossitis?

Accepted Answer

Question 4

I have a habit of eating rice frequently, and I also tend to fall sick often. I usually feel very weak and experience pain in my hands and legs. The last time I got my hemoglobin tested, it was 9.1. Can you please suggest a diet plan to help me improve my immunity and feel healthier?

Accepted Answer

Question 5

My hemoglobin is low at about 9.8 and lymphocytes are 19. Other blood report values are normal. I am experiencing weakness, low skin yellowness, and my body weight has decreased to 37 kg.

Accepted Answer

Question 6

Two years ago I had a crawling sensation in my throat and I thought it was a worm. I also felt it in my stomach. I consulted an MD doctor and he said it was only gas in my stomach. He took my blood samples and the report showed very low haemoglobin even though I had a balanced diet. He prescribed me some vitamins. After a few weeks I started feeling the same again. Sometimes it is normal but while sleeping I start to feel the same crawling sensation in my throat and stomach.

Accepted Answer

Question 7

My blood report is abnormal. It shows low Basophils Absolute Count 0.01, high Total RBC 6.02, low MCV 62, low MCH 17.4, low MCHC 28.2, and high RDW CV 20.2. I need to understand if I should be worried?

Accepted Answer

Question 8

I am a 45 year old housewife and have been diagnosed with Grade 2 spondylolisthesis. I have been undergoing physiotherapy for some time and also using hot water fomentation for relief. However, I frequently experience severe cramps in my calf muscles, which usually subside after a while. I am wondering if these cramps could be related to the spondylolisthesis. Additionally, my recent blood reports show a high platelet count and low hemoglobin levels, for which I am currently taking medication.

Accepted Answer

Question 9

I am 15 weeks and 1 day pregnant. My doctor prescribed iron and calcium tablets, but I experience severe nausea and vomiting when taking iron supplements. Could you please suggest an alternative iron supplement that is easier on my stomach?
My hemoglobin is 11.2. Please find my report attached for reference.

Accepted Answer

Question 10

I am a 41 year old female experiencing abdominal pain and severe back pain. My recent reports are concerning, especially my iron and urine tests, but I am unsure who to consult for a proper diagnosis. My fasting blood sugar is 120.7, HbA1c is 6.20, CRP is 1.0, cholesterol is high (under medication for 7 years), GGT is 42.2 (I have no gall bladder), serum iron is 48.1, transferrin saturation is 13.72, and kidney function is normal. However, urine tests show blood positive with 6-7 RBCs. I have not attached all the reports. Please advise whom I should see for further evaluation and management.

Accepted Answer

Question 11

What do you feel when you are iron deficient?

Accepted Answer

When you are iron deficient the first common symptom is that they feel unexplained fatigue and lack of energy. If you are feeling so, get a blood test done to know your iron levels.

Question 12

Can a low iron deficiency cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

There is very less evidence that iron deficiency leads to cancer. However, few research papers indicates that blood loss can result in colon cancer and uterine cancer.

Question 13

Why is iron deficiency anemia common in toddlers?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency in toddlers can be due to excessive intake of cow's milk only. Secondary reasons are rapid growth during this phase and inability to consume green leafy vegetables.

Question 14

Can untreated iron deficiency anemia cause angina?

Accepted Answer

Yes, research suggets that patients already having chronic heart diseases are susceptible to sudden pain in the chest or angina due to low levels of iron in the body. Hence, it is advisable to maintain healthy iron levels in the body to prevent angina.

Question 15

Can you die of Iron deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency rarely causes death however, low levels of iron can cause multiple other complications which can make you feel fatigued throughout the day.

Question 16

What is a serum ferritin test?

Accepted Answer

A serum ferritin test helps the doctor understand how much iron or ferritin the body is storing.

Question 17

How much blood is drawn for a ferritin blood test?

Accepted Answer

Approximately 3 ml of blood is drawn for ferritin blood test

Question 18

Can I take an iron supplement if I have haemoglobin 6g/dl?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can take iron supplements if your hemoglobin levels are 6. However, consider investigating why your levels are low with a blood test.

Question 19

What is a good diet for getting over iron deficiency?

Accepted Answer

A good diet for getting over boderline iron deficiency is fortified cereals rich in iron and spinach. Additionally, take green leafy vegetables that will help you resolve your iron deficiency over a period of time.

Question 20

Can iron-deficiency anemia decrease %SpO2?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In anemic patients, oxygen delivery decreases and oxygen extraction is increased. This leads to decreased venous hemoglobin saturation and a lower tissue oxygen saturation

Question 21

How to get rid of iron deficiency?

Accepted Answer

If you have boderline iron deficiency then you can get rid of it by consuming a diet rich in iron, green leafy vegetables and fortified cereals.

Question 22

Can an anemic blood test detect pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

No, an anemic blood test cannot detect pregancy. It is only meant to detect low iron levels and anemia.

Question 23

Why is anemia a common problem among Indian women?

Accepted Answer

Anemia is most prevalent in women in India especially because they are entirely focussed on eating rice and wheat more than green (leafy) vegetables. Hence, women are recommended to eat more green leafy vegetables which can help from preventing anemia.

Question 24

Is iron deficiency anemia dangerous?

Accepted Answer

No, it is not dangerous. It can be resolved with diet and medications.

Question 25

What are the diagnostic features of iron deficiency?

Accepted Answer

The features which can indicate anemia are unexplained weakness, brittle nails, chest pain (without any reason), fatigue and breathlessness. If you are having most of the symptoms consider taking a test and consulting a general practitioner.

Question 26

When does regular iron deficiency become anemia?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency anemia develops when your body uses the iron stores faster than they can be refilled, or when the flow of iron into your system has slowed due to undiagnosed medical conditions.

Question 27

What are the common symptoms of iron deficiency anemia?

Accepted Answer

The most common symptoms of iron deficiency (anemia) are fatigue, rapid heartbeats, shortness of breathe, headache and unexplained generalised weakness.

Question 28

Why do I have iron deficiency anemia?

Accepted Answer

Iron deficiency anemia occurs when your body does not have enough iron to produce hemoglobin.

Question 29

How long will it take for iron deficiency anaemia to resolve?

Accepted Answer

It may take 30-90 days for iron deficiency to get resolved by diet. However, if you have a blood disorder you may need regular medications to keep up the iron levels.

Question 30

How long does it take to get an iron blood test back?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, you get your iron tests results within 24 hours.

Question 31

Can one still be iron deficient if his/her hemoglobin is 13.8?

Accepted Answer

Usually not, however, if your doctor feels that iron levels are low then you can improve the levels by consuming iron rich diet.

Question 32

How do you know if your iron is low in your blood?

Accepted Answer

To know if your iron levels are low get a blood test done preferably a CBC or a full body check up.

Iron Deficiency and related queries

Frequently Asked Questions