Dr. Anand Saha, MD, MPH

When a patient has sufficient blood volume and lacks one or more components, a complete blood count (CBC) test can help determine if a patient requires a transfusion by measuring four blood components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. If any of the patient's component counts is significantly below a standard range, the patient will likely need a blood transfusion. The complete blood count test uses a needle to extract a small amount of blood for testing.

Blood transfusion recipients should be tested for their blood type, which is one of four different types: type A, B, AB, or O. Patients with A, B, and O blood can only receive a blood donation matching their blood type or of O blood, which is known as the universal donor. Those with AB blood are considered "universal recipients"; they may receive A, B, AB, or O blood. Further complicating blood types is the presence or absence of the RhD antigen, adding a positive or negative modifier that should also be considered. Incompatible blood donations may cause transfusion sickness, such as a hemolytic reaction, where the body fights the donated red blood cells.

In certain emergency or trauma situations, medical teams often do not perform a complete blood count (CBC) test or blood type test. In those cases, patients are often given O negative blood, which is universally accepted. Some patients have their blood type on a medical card or bracelet, allowing emergency medical teams to issue compatible blood without testing.

Transfusions are performed by inserting a needle attached to an intravenous line (IV) into a vein in the body. This IV line is attached to a bag of blood that steadily dispenses blood into the patient's bloodstream. The type, volume, and components of donated blood depend on the patient's condition and needs. After the transfusion is complete, patients are generally permitted to resume normal activity, unless prohibited by a condition or injury. Some patients may experience bruising or soreness around the area that the needle was inserted.

At times, a second complete blood count test is performed to determine if the transfusion has brought patients' component counts to normal levels. Some patients may require multiple blood transfusions to reach a healthy blood volume and blood component count.

Once patients' blood volumes and components reach sufficient levels, they will generally begin to feel better. Patients of all ages, from newborn infants to elderly adults, can receive a blood transfusion.

IBS, or irritable bowel syndrome, happens when the muscles surrounding the colon contract too easily or frequently. The result is abdominal pain, cramps, diarrhea or constipation, gas and bloating. IBS attacks can often be brought on by specific triggers, so a key part of treatment is learning which foods trigger IBS attacks and avoiding them. Treatment also includes exercise, avoiding stress, and medications if needed.

Constipation, or large, hard, or infrequent stools, happens to everyone at some point. It can be caused by a disruption in routine or food, or by eating a diet without many fresh fruits and vegetables. Although it is uncomfortable, constipation is common and usually not serious, but it can sometimes become chronic. Adding fiber to the diet, exercising, and taking medications may help.

GERD, or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is a severe form of chronic heartburn where stomach acid spills back up into the esophagus. Left untreated, the acid may even eat away at the esophagus and cause serious damage. Treatment includes changing the diet to avoid trigger foods, losing weight if needed, medications, or even surgery.

Hemorrhoids are blood vessels around the rectum that become irritated, swollen or torn while straining during a bowel movement. They are most often caused by constipation, but can also be caused by pregnancy, diarrhea, or simply a genetic predisposition towards hemorrhoids. Treatment involves first treating any constipation issues, then keeping the area clean and soothed until it has healed. If these measures are ineffective, surgery is sometimes used.

Peptic ulcers are sores or spots of inflammation in the lining of the stomach or close to the stomach in the small intestine. Usually this area is coated with a protective lining that shields the tissue from the strong stomach acid, but a break in the lining can let acid in, causing the sores. It used to be thought that stress caused ulcers, but now it is known that is not the case. Most often, they are caused by an infection by H. pylori bacteria, but ulcers can also be caused by alcohol abuse or overuse of aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, or other NSAIDS. The symptoms of an ulcer are pain, hunger, nausea, and fatigue.

Gastrointestinal problems, perhaps more than any other area, are markedly affected by lifestyle. Many disorders can be prevented or treated at least in part by eating a healthy diet high in fiber, exercising regularly, drinking enough water, and limiting alcohol intake. Still, the frequency of digestive disorders means that even the healthiest person can be affected by them. Anyone who notices blood in their stool, experiences abdominal pain, unexplained weight loss, or any significant change in bowel movements should see a doctor.

Tracheostomy is performed for a variety of reasons when a bypass to the normal airway is needed. A patient may have an object lodged in their throat or have an injury that damaged their windpipe. They may have cancer or a swelling in their throat that stops air from moving freely. Sometimes tracheostomy is performed to make breathing easier when patients are paralyzed or have trouble coming off a ventilator.

A tracheostomy can be temporary or permanent. A temporary tracheostomy tends to heal over easily when the tube is removed, leaving a small scar. A permanent tracheostomy can make speech difficult at first. It takes time to learn how to use the throat and air in a new way.

Tracheostomy is a fairly simple procedure, but it can make all the difference in a life or death situation.