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Everything to Understand About Hemoglobin E Disease

About

A genetically inherited blood disorder of having hemoglobin variant E.

Hemoglobin E is the second most common hemoglobin abnormality after sickle cell. (#1)

1. Treatable by medical professionals
2. Medical diagnosis is required
3. Lab tests and imaging may be done
4. Chronic: lasts for life

People with hemoglobin E can have very mild anemia. HbE results due to a mutation in the gene for the β-globin chain, subunit of the hemoglobin molecule. This is very common in Asian countries, reaching up to 30-40% in South-East Asian countries. The condition is normally asymptomatic and requires no treatment in most patients. While in some, the condition could be major and have worse symptoms.

Symptoms

People may experience:
1. Pallor - pale skin
2. Fever - often due to infections
3. Abdominal mass - develops in the upper quadrant
4. Pain in the abdomen
5. Jaundice

Treatment

Self-care:
1. Associate with support groups and advocacy groups to cope and learn more to reduce stress.
2. Eat well and exercise.

Medications: Folic acid supplements may be taken. A daily oral antibiotic is prescribed to some to prevent infections.

Specialists:
Consult a doctor if the symptoms are evident and the condition worsens. At mfine, we provide accurate diagnosis and comprehensive treatment plans for all health concerns under a team of qualified doctors.