General (16 articles)
- Blood count.
A full blood count is done to gain an overview on each major components of the blood. The test includes haemoglobin concentration, red blood cell count, blood volume, packed cell volume, leucocyte count, and platelet count.
- Blood donation.
The Australian Red Cross Blood Service collects around one million blood donations each year. Healthy adults between the ages of 16 (18 in Tasmania) and 70 years are able to donate blood. Donated blood is usually divided into separate components, so each donation can help a number of recipients.
- Blood groups.
The two major classifications of blood include the ABO system and the Rhesus type system. The four blood groups are A, B, AB and O, distinguishable by certain proteins on the red blood cells. Each blood group is either Rh-positive or Rh-negative. There are around 300 other blood group factors.
- Blood groups - Rhesus factor.
The Rhesus factor is a protein that is either present or absent on the surface of a person's red blood cells. 'Rhesus disease' can occur if there is Rhesus incompatibility between a mother and her unborn child. Another name for this condition is hemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN). Rhesus disease is now uncommon in developed countries, due to routine 'anti-D' vaccination of the mother after the birth of her first child.
- Blood pressure explained.
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood in the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. High blood pressure usually does not have symptoms, but can lead to serious health problems. Healthy eating and lifestyle changes can help control high blood pressure.
- Blood pressure (high) - hypertension.
High blood pressure (hypertension) means that your blood is pumping at a higher pressure than normal through your arteries. This can contribute to a number of diseases including heart attack, kidney failure or stroke. Hypertension usually produces no symptoms. Hereditary factors, obesity, a diet high in salt, smoking and a lack of physical activity can all contribute to hypertension. Some drugs including the combined contraceptive pill (the pill) and non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) may also cause hypertension.
- Blood transfusion.
A blood transfusion is the transfer of blood from one person to another. The donated blood must match the recipient's blood type, or complications will occur. Generally, both receiving and donating blood are safe medical procedures.
- Bone marrow.
Blood cells are made by bone marrow, which is a soft jelly - like substance found inside bone cavities. Diseases of the bone marrow tend to upset the making of blood cells. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant is the best treatment.
- Bone marrow donors.
You can offer a second chance of life - anyone in good health, aged 18-50 can join the Australian Bone Marrow Donor Registry. Initially it involves a simple blood test. The test results are searched for patients who require a transplant to survive a serious blood disorder.
- Cerebral haemorrhage.
A cerebral haemorrhage is bleeding from a ruptured blood vessel in the brain. Causes include weakened blood vessel walls, head trauma or congenital conditions. A cerebral haemorrhage is a life threatening emergency.
- Circulatory system.
The heart, blood and blood vessels make up the circulatory system, which services all the cells in the body. Wastes are taken away and exchanged with oxygen and food nutrients.
- Fainting.
Fainting is a momentary episode of unconsciousness caused by a sudden drop in blood pressure. Common causes include heat, pain or distress. Frequent fainting spells should be medically investigated to check for underlying disorders.
- Fluid retention.
Fluid retention (oedema) occurs when fluid isn't removed from the body tissues, including the skin. Causes include the body's reaction to hot weather, a high salt intake, and the hormones associated with the menstrual cycle. Symptoms include swelling of body parts such as feet, hands and ankles, a feeling of stiffness or aching and weight fluctuations. Drinking lots of water will actually help fluid retention. Fluid retention may be a sign of disease including kidney disease, heart failure, chronic lung disease, arthritis or an allergic reaction.
- Iron deficiency - adults.
Common causes of iron deficiency in adults include inadequate dietary intake, chronic blood loss, times of increased need such as pregnancy, and vigorous exercise. Treatment includes dietary changes and iron supplements.
- Iron deficiency - children.
Babies, toddlers, preschoolers and teenagers are at high risk of iron deficiency, because their increased needs for iron may not be met if their diet is not balanced. Treatment for iron deficiency anaemia in children starts with dietary change but may include iron supplements.
- Iron explained.
Iron is an important dietary mineral that is involved in various bodily functions, including the transport of oxygen in the blood. Good sources of iron include red meat, offal and iron-fortified breakfast cereals.
- Lymphatic system.
The lymphatic system is a series of vessels throughout the body that drain fluid from tissues. Bacteria and other microbes are picked up in the lymphatic fluid and trapped inside lymph nodes, where they can be attacked and destroyed by white blood cells.
- Quiz - Lymphatic system - do you know how the drains work?.
Do you know how your body works? Is your lifestyle as healthy as it could be? Test your knowledge with our quick and fun quizzes.
- Varicose vein surgery.
Varicose veins are knobbly, twisted and darkish-blue in appearance. They are most commonly found on the legs. They are caused by faulty valves within veins that allow blood to pool. Treatment options include sclerotherapy and surgery.
