Download FREE Practo app
Get ₹200 HealthCash
Help in to increase hb
I have thalassemia trait, and my hemoglobin usually stays around 11 g/dL. My MCV is low, while my RBC count is relatively high. I would like to increase my hemoglobin by around 1–2 g/dL. Could hydroxyurea help increase my hemoglobin in thalassemia trait, and is it appropriate or recommended for someone with thalassemia trait to use it?
Answers (17)
If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at eight six one nine six six nine nine zero six. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Didn't find the answer you are looking for?
Talk to experienced doctor online and get your health questions answered in just 5 minutes.
If you would like to discuss your concern in more detail, please feel free to contact me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine. Alternatively, you can connect with me through the Practo app for a detailed consultation
Answered
Let others know if this answer was helpful
Thalassemia trait commonly causes mild anemia with low MCV and a relatively high RBC count. Hb around 11 g/dL can be typical.
Next Steps
Pehle serum ferritin aur iron profile check karwa lena, kyunki iron deficiency saath mein ho sakti hai. Iron supplement tabhi lena jab deficiency confirm ho.
Health Tips
Thalassemia trait mein Hb ko 1–2 g/dL badhana generally zaroori nahi hota. Hydroxyurea khud se bilkul start na karein. Agar Hb aur kam ho raha hai, weakness/saans phoolna jaise symptoms hain, to physician/hematologist se evaluation karwa lein.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Hydroxyurea has no role in thalassemia trait, so please do not go that way - it is used in selected cases of thalassemia major or sickle cell disease and it has real side effects. In trait, Hb around 11 with low MCV is basically your own baseline. It can be pushed up only if some separate deficiency like iron or B12 is sitting on top of it.
Next Steps
Get serum ferritin, iron studies and vitamin B12 done. If ferritin is truly low, iron correction under supervision helps; if it is normal, avoid iron tonics on your own because trait patients can overload iron. Folic acid and protein-rich diet is what genuinely helps. Also get your future partner's Hb electrophoresis done before marriage. If you want me to see the reports, teleconsult or Synergy Miraj OPD is fine.
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
You yourself say it's Thalassemia trait means you already got Hemoglobin electrophoresis done
MCV will be low in this case
Hb 11 is quite ok
Check your serum ferritin before you supplement Iron tonic
hydroxurea not indicated
Next Steps
Take Folic acid supplements 5mg daily
Health Tips
check Thalassemia trait in your would be spouse too in order to prevent Thalassemia Major
Go for Premarital Counselling
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
I understand your concern , but what u have to do is check serum ferritin level , vitamin b12
Answered
1/1 people found this helpful
Articles you may like
Tell us what's troubling you
Disclaimer : The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.