ESR, otherwise called erythrocyte sedimentation rate or sedimentation rate test, is a blood test that is done to detect the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a blood sample in a test tube. It is a non-specific test done to diagnose inflammation. This test is done to diagnose autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, cancers, and infection.
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Does vasoconstriction occur due to an allergy to antihistamines?
Query: Hi doctor, I am having major vasoconstriction problems. I would like to know if my daily antihistamines intake is causing this problem. I am taking Loratadine and Fexofenadine hydrochloride daily for allergies. Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I would like to know in detail, what you mean by vasoconstriction problems? Is it affecting your hands or your feet or anywhere in the nasal bed? Do you experience any bluish discoloration of the nails or hands? Do you have any pain in the hands or feet? Do you have ul... Read Full »
Why am I having itchy rashes and bumps on my skin at the time of periods?
Query: Hi doctor, I am a 31 year old female. I have rashes and bumps, that itch and look like they are big bites, but they are not. They come and go in different places and are more frequent around the time of my periods. I have had these bumps for seven months now. I am attaching a picture, what are these... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I just read your query and saw the attachment provided by you (attachment removed to protect patient identity), and it appears that you have urticaria or hives in simpler terms. These usually occur when your immune system is a bit low such as during your periods, af... Read Full »
Why does bone marrow aspiration and biopsy report differ?
Query: Hi doctor, Bone marrow aspiration twice showed hypercellular bone marrow with overgrowth of WBC and megakaryocytes with all stages of maturing including micro-megakaryocytes. But at the same time, the second BMA during bone marrow biopsy showed normocellular bone marrow. Is something like that possi... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. You have not mentioned the age of the patient, peripheral smear, and CBC (complete blood count) findings. You mentioned that bone marrow was showing overgrowth of the WBC (white blood cells) and micro megakaryocytes. So, it is a myeloproliferative condition. Here, cli... Read Full »
Can vitamin B12 deficiency cause breathlessness?
Query: Hello doctor, I had a blood test recently and my ESR was elevated to 22, while vitamin B12 was low. I have pain in the right armpit and also a pain in the neck. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your B12 level is low, hence it should be treated with Folic acid tablets and Cyanocobalamin injections. 1. Cyanocobalamin 1000 mcg injections are given intramuscularly for six weeks. 2. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) can be high in any inflammatory condition.... Read Full »
Can numbness in fingers be an early sign of diabetes?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 19-year-old male. A week ago my thumb became numb below the fingernail. It was numb for two days and this went away. Now my left middle finger and the ring finger are numb and my right thumb feels sore. I also have a burning sensation in the feet, sometimes it feels like there i... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have read through your question and I would like to tell you thaturopathyperipheral necan happen in a patient with diabetes which does present in the form of burning sensation in the feet and neuropathic pain. At your age, type 1 diabetes that is insulin-dependent... Read Full »
Can lymph nodes swell due to an allergy to fried foods?
Query: Hi doctor,I am a 35-year-old male. I had a fever of 100.2 degrees Fahrenheit on the eighth of last month, which only lasted for a day. But the fever was followed by a few symptoms. After the fever, my lymph nodes at the back of my ear were swollen. I also had a sore throat and mouth ulcers. My body ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Are you still having enlarged lymph nodes? Are those painful to touch? Is the size still the same as when you observed first? Is there any change? Do you have any throat pain now? Was any throat swab test done? Any blood test? Any difficulty or pain while swall... Read Full »
My father-in-law's WBC count has declined. Why?
Query: Hi doctor, My father-in-law is 58 years old. He had a stroke a year back and has been diagnosed with non-critical CAD. Within a period of two months, his WBC count has reduced from a range of 7.5 to 2.8. But, there is no sign of infection. The overall count of ANC is more than 1000 and platelets are... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Based on your query, my findings are as follows. Your dad is suffering from macrocytic anemia along with leukopenia (low-level WBC) and pancytopenia (deficiency of RBC, WBC, and platelet). There is only a slight decrease in the number of platelets, so you need not ... Read Full »
My wife has a labrum tear. Is surgery needed?
Query: Hello doctor, My wife has been diagnosed with a labrum tear. She is 37 years old. She wants to get a second opinion on the treatment options. Is surgery the only option available? Will not the labrum heal on its own? Currently, she is on ayurvedic treatment. I have attached a few files for your refe... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I went through the copies of the investigations you posted (attachment removed to protect patient identity). My interpretations are as follows: 1. She has arthritis of the hip joint with features of sacroiliitis (inflammation of one or both of the sacroiliac joints)... Read Full »
Should I do blood works regularly to monitor my enlarged spleen?
Query: Hello doctor, I am a 32-years- old male, 5.61 feet, and 178 lbs. I have had an enlarged spleen of 5.51 inches to 5.91 inches since many years. No other symptoms and every six months I get my blood work done with normal results. Should I pursue this more? My pathologist says it could be my normal si... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I read your query and understand your concern. Enlarged spleen is seen in liver diseases, hemolytic anemia, parasitic infestation especially malaria, autoimmune disorders, rheumatological diseases. An enlarged spleen is not normal at all, this can cause symptoms, sooner... Read Full »
Can erythema nodosum recur at the same spot in the feet?
Query: Hi doctor,I am a 33-year-old female with a history of erythema nodosum. I used to get outbreaks over my bilateral shins and ankles. The last bad outbreak was probably around seven to eight years ago. I woke up this morning with pain and swelling of the lateral parts of both feet around the cuboid bo... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. We are here to help you. Reading your case summary and studying the attached report (attachment removed to protect patient identity); I would say that the favorable diagnosis in your case would be erythema nodosum (inflammation of fat cells under the skin). Characteris... Read Full »
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