Understanding Blood and Blood Disorders

Have you ever wondered what happens when your blood is not working the way it should? Understanding blood disorders is crucial for better health management. It not only allows early diagnosis but effective treatment as well. This blog is a treat for all those who want to gain a deeper understanding of blood and its disorders !

What is blood?

Blood is a vital fluid in our body that circulates through our heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries. 

What are the major blood components and blood-related organs?

The major blood components involve,

• Red blood cells(RBC)

• White blood cells(WBC)

• Platelets

• Plasma 

And blood-related organs involve, 

• Bone marrow 

• Spleen

• Liver

• Thymus

• Lymph Nodes 

What are the functions of blood?

• Oxygen Transportation

• Nutrient Delivery

• Waste Removal

• Immunity Defense against Diseases

• Blood Clotting during Injury

• Hormone Transportation

• Regulation of Body Temperature

What will happen when blood is not functioning properly?

• Fatigue 

• Bruising 

• Bleeding

• Infections

What is Hematology?

Hematology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the study of blood, blood-forming organs, and blood disorders.

It involves,

• Study

• Diagnosis

• Treatment

• Management of blood disorders. 

Hematologists are medical specialists who focus on the study and treatment of blood and blood-forming organs. They work closely with patients in managing their blood health. They offer guidance on lifestyle choices, and recommend treatments to improve blood function. 

Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla has the best Hematology Department in Kerala.

What are Blood Disorders?

Blood-related disorders are conditions that affect the components of our blood. Problems with any of these components can lead to serious health issues.

What are the Common Types of Blood Disorders?

• Anemia: Low RBC condition reduces the blood's ability to carry oxygen.

• Symptoms of Anemia: Tiredness, weakness, pale skin.

• Leukemia: A type of blood and bone marrow cancer that causes the abnormal growth of WBCs.

• Symptoms of Leukemia: Unexplained weight loss, frequent infections, easy bruising.

• Lymphoma: Cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which includes lymph nodes and other lymph tissues.

• Symptoms of Lymphoma: Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, unexplained weight loss.

• Myeloma: Cancer of plasma cells in the bone marrow, leading to abnormal blood cell production and weakening of bones.

• Symptoms of Myeloma: Bone pain, fatigue, frequent infections.

• Hemophilia: Genetic condition in which blood doesn’t clot properly, making it difficult to stop bleeding.

• Symptoms of Hemophilia: Excessive bleeding from minor injuries, and joint pain.

• Sickle Cell Disease: A genetic disorder in which abnormally shaped RBC blocks the blood flow.

• Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease: Pain episodes, fatigue, frequent infections.

• Thrombocytopenia: Low platelet count affecting blood clotting ability.

• Symptoms of Thrombocytopenia: Easy bruising, excessive bleeding, frequent nosebleeds.

• Benign Blood and Marrow Conditions: Conditions that affect the blood and bone marrow. It affects blood cell production without being cancerous.

• Symptoms: Fatigue, mild infections, or abnormal blood cell counts.

• Understanding these blood disorders can help with early detection and improve the management of symptoms.

How are Blood Disorders Diagnosed?

Blood disorders are diagnosed through various tests that help doctors understand the problem with your blood.

• Blood Tests: Complete Blood Count (blood test CBC) checks the number of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets in your blood.

Diagnoses: anemia and infections .

• Bone Marrow Tests: Bone marrow sample, usually from the hip to check if it is making healthy blood cells. 

Diagnoses: leukemia 

• Coagulation Test: This test checks how well the blood clots. This test is to diagnose problems with bleeding or clotting.

Diagnoses: Hemophilia 

• Genetic Tests: These are useful to test conditions passed down in families. Can understand if there are changes in your genes that affect blood cells.

Diagnoses: Sickle Cell Disease

What are the Treatments for Blood Disorders?

• Medications: Pills, shots, or IV treatments help control blood disorders. These medicines help balance blood cell levels or stop problems with clotting.

• Blood Transfusions: Getting healthy blood through an IV. 

• Stem Cell or Bone Marrow Transplants: Replacing unhealthy bone marrow with healthy cells to help the body make new blood cells.

• Lifestyle Changes: Healthy lifestyle changes can improve overall health and help you feel better.

• Eating well

• Staying active 

• Managing stress

• Avoiding harmful habits(smoking, drinking)

How to Prevent Blood Disorders?

• Healthy Diet: Having a healthy diet plan is important to keep your blood in good shape. Consult with our Clinical Nutrition and Dietetics Department for expert advice and personalized recommendations.

• Regular Check-ups: Regular health check-up benefits are enormous. Routine blood tests can help catch blood problems early.

• Avoiding Risk Factors: Avoid smoking, alcohol and stress. Take care of your overall health and thus prevent blood problems.

How to Cope with Blood Disorders?

Living with a blood disorder can affect daily life a lot. The fatigue, pain, and frequent doctor visits. These symptoms make everyday activities, like work or school harder.

Emotional support from loved ones is crucial. Reaching out for help can make living with a blood disorder easier and more manageable. As it can help you manage your condition, offer encouragement, and assist with treatment. 

Financial assistance programs can help lighten the load of medical expenses. Mental health support through counseling or support groups makes the journey easier. 

Blood disorders and treatment: Myth busters

Q. Are blood transfusions dangerous and should they be avoided?

Blood transfusions are generally safe. This is a common treatment for conditions like anemia, sickle cell disease, and severe blood loss. Modern blood screening and strict safety protocols have made blood transfusions safer than ever. 

Q. Can blood disorders only be inherited from parents?

Not all blood disorders are inherited. Sickle cell disease and hemophilia are genetic and passed down from parents. On the other hand, anemia and leukemia can develop because of external factors. This includes diet, infections, environmental exposures, or other health conditions. 

Q. If you have anemia, do you just need to take iron supplements and you'll be fine?

Not all cases of anemia are caused by iron deficiency but vitamin deficiencies, chronic diseases, or other factors require different treatments. Identifying the underlying cause for proper treatment is important.

Why choose Believers Hospital, Thiruvalla?

At Believers Hospital, our Clinical Hematology Department also called Believers Ractham has the best hematologists for personalised treatments and compassionate care. Believers Ractham specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of blood-related cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, as well as benign blood and marrow conditions. 

What do we offer?

• Advanced Medical Facilities: We offer the most modern medical technology for accurate diagnosis and treatment.

• Comprehensive Healthcare: We provide a wide range of medical services, including emergency care, surgery, maternity care, and specialized treatments.

• Patient-Centered Care: We focus on personalized and compassionate care, ensuring our patients' comfort and well-being.

• Affordable Treatment: We offer high-quality healthcare at reasonable costs, making it accessible to all groups of people.

• Excellent Support Services: We provide efficient support services, including pharmacy, laboratory, and 24/7 emergency care.

• Reputation and Trust: We have built a strong reputation for providing reliable healthcare services with a focus on patient safety and care.