Hematologist

Conditions Treated

• •Iron Deficiency Anaemia — Most common blood disorder in India, especially in women and children, caused by low iron levels.
• •Thalassemia — Inherited blood disorder causing abnormal haemoglobin production. India has the largest number of thalassemia carriers globally.
• •Lymphoma — Cancer of the lymphatic system — Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's types.
• •Thrombocytopenia — Low platelet count causing bleeding tendency. Can be due to dengue, ITP, or bone marrow problems.

Health Tips

• •Eat iron-rich foods daily
• •Get premarital thalassemia screening
• •Don't ignore persistent fatigue — check haemoglobin
• •Complete iron supplement courses fully
• •Know your blood group and keep records
• •Dengue prevention protects your platelets

How to Prepare for Your Visit

• •Bring complete blood count (CBC) reports — current and previous for comparison
• •Bring peripheral smear report if available
• •List all symptoms — fatigue, bruising, bleeding, infections
• •Note any family history of blood disorders
• •Mention any medications including blood thinners and supplements
• •Discuss any recent infections — they can affect blood counts temporarily
• •Ask about genetic testing if blood disorder runs in family
• •Discuss dietary sources of iron, B12, and folic acid
• •Take iron supplements as directed — usually on empty stomach with vitamin C for better absorption
• •Follow up with blood tests as recommended to track progress
• •Report any unusual bleeding or bruising immediately
• •Consider genetic counselling if you carry thalassemia or sickle cell trait

Questions to Ask Your Doctor

• •What is causing my abnormal blood counts?
• •Do I need a bone marrow biopsy?
• •Is my condition inherited — should family members be tested?
• •How often do I need blood transfusions?
• •What foods can help improve my blood counts?

When to See a Specialist

A Hematologist specializes in blood disorders — anaemia, bleeding problems, blood cancers, and clotting disorders.

• •Severe or unexplained anaemia (low haemoglobin)
• •Abnormal blood counts — high or low WBC, platelets
• •Easy bruising or prolonged bleeding
• •Enlarged lymph nodes without infection
• •Blood clots — deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism
• •Sickle cell disease or thalassemia management
• •Suspected blood cancer — leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma

Seek emergency care for massive bleeding not stopping, widespread bruising with low platelet count, or sudden breathlessness with leg swelling (possible pulmonary embolism).