EXPERT
Dr. J. Nathan Hagstrom, MD
Hematologist (Pediatric)
Dr. J. Nathan Hagstrom is a compassionate pediatric hematologist-oncologist based in Allentown, Pennsylvania. As the Chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, he specializes in treating various conditions, including leukemia, lymphoma, hemophilia, Von Willebrand disease, thrombosis, thrombophilia, and bleeding disorders in girls and women. Dr. Hagstrom is known for his exceptional patient care and forming meaningful partnerships with his patients and their families. He is a board-certified pediatric hematologist-oncologist by the American Board of Pediatrics and has a Master of Science degree in Health Care Management from Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Before joining Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, he served as an Associate Professor in Pediatrics at the University of Connecticut School of Medicine.
37 years
Experience
Dr. J. Nathan Hagstrom, MD
- Hamilton, PA
- University of Vermont
- Accepting new patients
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My daughter had an accident and after her surgery she is pale. What can we do?
When someone appears pale, it could be a sign of anemia or dehydration. Make sure she's well hydrated and consider having her seen by a health care professional.
What could be the cause of low hemoglobin levels for my son?
A low hemoglobin indicates anemia. A recent viral infection is the most common cause for mild anemia in children. No treatment is needed, and the hemoglobin returns to normal READ MORE
A low hemoglobin indicates anemia. A recent viral infection is the most common cause for mild anemia in children. No treatment is needed, and the hemoglobin returns to normal in 2-4 weeks. Iron deficiency is the second most common and can be confirmed with blood tests. If confirmed, then treatment with oral iron is needed.
What is the treatment for thalassemia?
There are different types of thalassemia. Management is based on the baseline hemoglobin and the child's overall health. Mild anemia is common in people with thalassemia minor, READ MORE
There are different types of thalassemia. Management is based on the baseline hemoglobin and the child's overall health. Mild anemia is common in people with thalassemia minor, but in most cases no treatment is needed. For thalassemia intermedia and major management by a hematologist is recommended.
Should I worry
There are a number of possibilities. Infections are the most common cause of these types of issues in children. Some turn out to be viruses and no treatment is necessary, and READ MORE
There are a number of possibilities. Infections are the most common cause of these types of issues in children. Some turn out to be viruses and no treatment is necessary, and things resolve with time. Other infections turn out to be treatable. Testing, and sometimes further testing is needed to figure out if there is a treatable infection. Autoimmune disease is another possibility, and also can take further testing to either diagnose or rule out. A malignancy isn't likely, but testing should be able to rule that out.
My son has thalassemia minor. How can we increase his hemoglobin levels?
The hemoglobin in people with thalassemia minor are often just below normal. Our bodies can compensate for these mildly low hemoglobins, so there should be little if any impact READ MORE
The hemoglobin in people with thalassemia minor are often just below normal. Our bodies can compensate for these mildly low hemoglobins, so there should be little if any impact on energy levels and health. Usually there is nothing that needs to be done to increase the hemoglobin.
What's the chance my child will have hemophilia A?
Yes, hemophilia A is genetic. All female children of your grandfather will be carriers for mild hemophilia. They will have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children. So, READ MORE
Yes, hemophilia A is genetic. All female children of your grandfather will be carriers for mild hemophilia. They will have a 50% chance of passing it on to their children. So, if the grandfather with hemophilia is the father of your mother, then yes, you could be a carrier and have passed it on to your children. If you pass it on to a boy, then they will have mild hemophilia.
Do you use local anesthesia for a bone marrow biopsy?
A bone marrow biopsy is often done using sedation rather than anesthesia. The procedure is relatively quick and with local analgesia, pain is usually tolerable. However, many READ MORE
A bone marrow biopsy is often done using sedation rather than anesthesia. The procedure is relatively quick and with local analgesia, pain is usually tolerable. However, many do choose to have sedation as well. We especially use sedation for children have a bone marrow biopsy.
How can I raise my child's iron level?
The best approach is by increasing the iron in her diet. Meat related food as a good amount of iron, which includes eggs and fish. Non-meat foods containing iron include iron READ MORE
The best approach is by increasing the iron in her diet. Meat related food as a good amount of iron, which includes eggs and fish. Non-meat foods containing iron include iron fortified cereal, beans, and dark leafy vegetable including kale, and spinach.
CBC test result question.
I would recommend you talk to your primary care provider about the results. Having “high” or “low” next to percentages of the different types of white cells doesn’t necessarily READ MORE
I would recommend you talk to your primary care provider about the results. Having “high” or “low” next to percentages of the different types of white cells doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re abnormal. Infections can sometimes cause elevations that are transient.
Dengue fever blood problems
After an infection sometimes the platelet count will go up as a reactive process to the infection. An increase in platelets can be a sign of recovery.
Should I give iron supplements to my daughter when she starts her periods?
It’s a good idea for menstruating girls and women to ensure they are taking in enough iron in their diet. If dietary intake isn’t sufficient then a multivitamin with iron daily READ MORE
It’s a good idea for menstruating girls and women to ensure they are taking in enough iron in their diet. If dietary intake isn’t sufficient then a multivitamin with iron daily or an iron supplement 3 times a week is a good substitute.
Could pale fingernails be a sign of iron deficiency?
Yes. Pale skin or pale nail beds can be a sign of anemia. I would recommend she be seen by a health care professional.
