Dr. Nura El-Haj, MD

An individual with anemia will have the following symptoms: shortness of breath, weakness, dizziness, cold hands or feet, paleness, and irritability. Anemia is diagnosed when blood tests show low counts for hemoglobin, which is the protein responsible for carrying oxygen to different tissues throughout the body.

Treatments for anemia are dependent on the kind of anemia an individual has. For example, iron supplementation may correct iron deficiency anemia. For anemia caused by chronic kidney failure, chemotherapy treatments, and HIV/AIDS, a group of medications called erythropoiesis-stimulating agents may be prescribed.

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.

Most people with hemophilia have a family history of the disorder, though about 30% do not. The most common forms are hemophilia A (classic hemophilia) and hemophilia B (Christmas disease). Hemophilia A and B share certain characteristics, but different genes are involved. Acquired hemophilia is very rare and has been linked to autoimmune conditions, cancer, and multiple sclerosis.

Hemophilia may be diagnosed using a blood test. If there is family history of the disorder, testing may be done prenatally. Treatment involves regular intravenous replacement of clotting factors, which may be produced in a laboratory (recombinant) or come from blood donors. For people with milder forms of the disease, a hormone called desmopressin may stimulate the body to produce clotting factors. Other drug therapies include medications that help slow the breakdown of blood clots and medications that are applied directly to the wound to promote clotting.

Living with hemophilia can be challenging, but simple things may help prevent excessive bleeding. For example, choosing activities like walking or swimming over contact sports can prevent injuries and strengthen muscles while protecting the joints. Chances for bleeding may also be reduced by making sure that children wear helmets and elbow pads during activities like bicycle rides.