For Patients
Blood
It makes up 7 percent of your body weight.
It carries nutrients and waste products throughout your body.
It fights infections and heals wounds.
What is Blood?
Blood is the fluid that flows through all parts of your body. It carries the vital oxygen and nourishment your body needs to function normally. Blood is a tissue, and blood cells and platelets are produced in your bone marrow.
Blood is made up of four main parts, and each part has a specific function:
- Plasma, the carrier: the liquid that transports blood cells and nutrients throughout the body and contains proteins that help the blood clot
- Platelet, the controller: clots blood and controls bleeding
- Red Blood Cell, the deliverer: picks up oxygen in the lungs and delivers it throughout the body where it is exchanged for carbon dioxide, which is then returned and expelled through the lungs
- White Blood Cell, the protector: helps the body fight off diseases and infections
Aamir Husain frequently flies internationally for his job. As a result of long periods of immobility during air travel, he suffered a pulmonary (lung) embolism. Though this is often a fatal condition, here he hears some good news from the treating hematologist.
Why Should I Know About Blood Conditions?
When something is wrong with your blood, it can affect your total health. That is why it is important for you to know about some of the common blood disorders that can affect you.
Many people are affected by blood conditions and cancers. Common blood disorders include anemia, blood clots, and blood cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
Talking to your doctor is the first step to take if you believe you are experiencing symptoms of a blood condition. If you are diagnosed with a blood condition, your doctor may refer you to a hematologist. A hematologist is medical doctor who specializes in treating blood conditions.