Question 1

What is hemoglobin E disease?

Accepted Answer

Hemoglobin E (HbE) is an extremely common structural hemoglobin variant that occurs at high frequencies throughout many Asian countries. It is a beta-hemoglobin variant, which is produced at a slightly reduced rate and hence has the phenotype of a mild form of beta thalassemia.

Question 2

In which part of the blood hemoglobin is present?

Accepted Answer

About 70 percent of your body's iron is found in the red blood cells of your blood called hemoglobin and in muscle cells called myoglobin.

Question 3

How dangerous is polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia vera can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated. It can cause blood clots resulting in a heart attack, stroke, or pulmonary embolism. Additionally, it can also cause the enlargement of the liver and spleen. Hence, this condition should be treated as soon as possible to prevent fatal compications.

Question 4

How do I increase my hemoglobin levels?

Accepted Answer

One way to increase hemoglobin content in the blood is to increase your iron intake. You can do this by eating foods rich in iron. These include spinach, liver and organ meat, cabbage, green beans, and tofu. Folate is a vitamin that your body uses to create haem and is present in spinach, rice, and meat. This way you can increase your hemoglobin levels quickly without medications.

Question 5

How can I treat spurious polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

The most common treatment for polycythemia vera is having frequent blood withdrawals, using a needle in a vein (phlebotomy). It's the same procedure used for donating blood. This decreases your blood volume and reduces the number of excess blood cells

Question 6

Are RBC of 5.52 and HGB of 16.7 considered as high?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is considered slightly high. Do not neglect.

Question 7

What are elevated hemoglobin and hemocrit?

Accepted Answer

Both the hemoglobin and the hematocrit are based on whole blood and are therefore dependent on plasma volume. If a patient is severely dehydrated, the hemoglobin and hematocrit will appear higher than if the patient had sufficient water. However, if the patient is fluid overloaded, they will be lower than their actual level.

Question 8

Is high hemoglobin level dangerous? Why?

Accepted Answer

Yes, constant high levels of hemoglobin occurs due to lack of oxygen in the blood. It is dangerous because it can cause blood clots.

Question 9

How does polycythemia vera lead to thrombocytopenia?

Accepted Answer

Thrombocytopenia could be due to an increased platelet aggregation and adhesion caused by hyperviscosity. The marrow can no longer produces blood cells resulting in low levels of healthy, functioning red blood cells which causes anemia, platelets (thrombocytopenia) and white blood cells (leukopenia).

Question 10

How do I to treat high hemoglobin?

Accepted Answer

One can check with the doctor if excess red blood cells need to be removed from the body. Otherwise change in diet can also help in reducing high amounts of hemoglobin such as eating nuts and legumes daily.

Question 11

Can a person have surgery when their hemoglobin is high?

Accepted Answer

No, it is advisable to lower hemoglobin levels if the hemoglobin is too high. This specially because you are suceptible to blood clots when your hemoglobin levels are very high.

Question 12

Why does polycythemia vera cause itchiness?

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that people with Polycythemia tend to have higher levels of mast cells in their blood. Mast cells are involved in the immune system's allergic response. They release histamines, which cause allergic symptoms, including itching skin

Question 13

Why does cyanosis occur in polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

When the red blood cell count reaches a critical number, the flowability of the blood decreases leading to restricted blood circulation. This causes a blue coloration of the skin (cyanosis).

Question 14

My haemoglobin is 18.4, is it dangerous?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is on the higher side and you may be suceptible to bruising and blood clots.

Question 15

Does low hemoglobin cause hypertension?

Accepted Answer

Yes, both low or high hemoglobin count are associated with cardiovascular risks and hypertension.

Question 16

How can polycythemia vera result in sideroblastic anaemia?

Accepted Answer

Polycythemia vera result in sideroblastic anemia because the marrow can no longer produce blood cells resulting in low levels of healthy functioning red blood cells causing anemia, platelets (thrombocytopenia) and white blood cells (leukopenia).

Question 17

What are the symptoms of polycythemia vera?

Accepted Answer

The early signs of polycythemia vera are lack of energy, dizziness, blurry vision, itchiness in the skin and constant fatigue.

Question 18

How to know if I have polycythemia?

Accepted Answer

If your doctor suspects that you have polycythemia vera, he or she might recommend collecting a sample of your bone marrow through a bone marrow aspiration or biopsy

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