Doctor, Doctor...
By Dave Hall
For all you hypochondriacs out there, Dave Hall continues his regular look at a some of the more unusual medical conditions, as well as some you thought you knew all about.
This week: METHEMOGLOBINEMIA.
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Condition – Luckily also known by the far less confusing "met-Hb" and is usually a hereditary condition (although it can be acquire too) where the patient has a higher than normal level of methemoglobin in the blood. “What the hell is methemoglobin?” I hear you cry? Well it’s a form of haemoglobin that does not bind oxygen, and too much of it leads to anaemia and tissue hypoxia – in extreme conditions this turns the patients skin blue!
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Contagion – It is possible to get a toxic form of the disease by exposure to certain drugs, but it’s unlikely. If both your parents have it, you’re quite likely to be blue, if only one has it, you’ll be a carrier, but with normal skin colour – phew.
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| Danger of death – Mild instances just lead to dizziness, headaches and fatigue – a bit like you’re average morning after. Severe methemoglobinemia can lead to seizures, coma and death, but this is rare. | |
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Incurability? – It is curable by giving oxygen and a 1% solution of methylene blue intravenously. This restores the iron in haemoglobin to its normal level and allows oxygen to be carried normally.
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Likelihood of getting time off work – If you go into work with blue skin, you’ll almost certainly be sent home. Go on, give it a try.
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| Brag-ability – Will your mates believe you if you tell them you were at an amazing Star Trek convention the night before? Possibly, although they will probably think you have been ‘playing Smurfs’ again at home. Best lie low for a while and keep off the blue alcopops. |
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Overall ridiculousness – Despite what your Nan used to tell you about what would happen if you ate too many blue sweets – it’s just rubbish. So carry on eating. |
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More conditions to come soon:
Copenhagen disease, Smallpox and more.
Find more curious conditions in Doctor Doctor. If you can't wait for the next Doctor Doctor, then why not find a Phunny Phobia to keep you going?
Photo: UOB
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