I am losing weight with low hemoglobin and persistent cough. Kindly help.

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 64-year-old male. My hemoglobin is 9.3, PLCR 45%, Plateletcrit 0.42%. I am facing weight loss for the past three months, and I have a persistent cough.

Currently, I am on medications for diabetes and hypertension.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

In the attached report (attachment removed to protect patient identity), hemoglobin level, PCV (packed cell volume), MCV (mean corpuscular volume), and MCH (mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) are especially low, which is suggestive of anemia. RDW (red cell distribution width) is high, so probably iron deficiency anemia.

I suggest you take Orofer, like ferrous ascorbate, containing tablets for two months. Meanwhile, you should consult a hematologist once for a physical examination. LDH (lactic acid dehydrogenase) estimation, reticulocyte count, and PS examination-like report, can be planned if your hematologist feels it.

Take iron-rich food and an iron tablet with orange juice to increase its absorption. The stool examination report should be done.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

There is no need to take any medicine for your problem. Beta thalassemia minor, especially heterozygous, can be managed by taking more iron-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, pumpkin seeds, etc.

I hope this helps you.

Thank you.