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Published on: Nov 10, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Understanding Hemogram

A hemogram can tell you a lot about your blood. For instance, red and white blood cells, as well as platelets (also called thrombocytes), will be counted and examined for size, shape, volume, and degree of organization. Specific factors that may affect these parameters include a total number of erythrocyte progenitor stem cells; RBC membrane stiffness; frequency of RBC production; distribution and frequency of phagocytosis (cellular breakdown); distribution and type of leukocytes (white blood cells) in circulation; vitamin deficiencies like folic acid or B12 deficiency. The number of toxic substances such as lead poisoning can also be analyzed from a hemogram.

Your hemoglobin levels should be high and your white cell count should be low. It's very important to have a blood test done when you're pregnant to make sure that you don't have any type of disease that the blood could transmit to the baby through the placenta, such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, syphilis, or other diseases.

It's also important when giving birth if one is Rh-negative and hasn't been vaccinated against it (if they can't remember their past). If they were exposed in pregnancy and gave birth with an Rh-positive partner, there's a chance for their newborn baby to receive too many RBCs from mom and develop jaundice/anemia;

A hemogram is a blood test that measures the hematocrit, hemoglobin levels, and other substances in the blood (such as total protein and red blood cells). Hemograms can be differential or comprehensive. Comprehensive: performs a complete analysis of all forms of an organism's entire circulating cellular mass. Differential: analyzes two sources from one specimen- for example, plasma and white cells, platelets and red cells, prothrombin time combined with partial thromboplastin time (PTT), D-dimer level with complete lipid profile to provide a clear diagnosis of possible metabolic liver problems.

A blood count measures the number of each type of cell found in one cubic millimeter (1/10th of a teaspoon) or 500 microliters (a little less than half a cup) of whole blood. The numbers are reported as cells per cubic millimeter, so you need to know how many millions there are to divide by 10 to get the actual headcount. In this way, for example, someone under 20 could have 1.0x1012 neutrophils and have a CBC that says they have 10x109 neutrophils per cubic millimeter."

The blood count may reveal, for example, an abnormally high number of red blood cells (confirmatory diagnosis) or determinations made by routine inspection that are not obvious without the additional information present in the hemogram. A hemogram is typically conducted to investigate an abnormal indication on a CBC. For instance, if you have very low white counts and no cause for this can be determined using other lab tests like a peripheral smear or bone marrow biopsy, it's possible that your doctor will perform a complete hemogram. Most often abnormalities are seen on the CBC.

When you're involved in extreme sports like skateboarding, your chances of getting injured are much greater than if you're at the pool or sipping tea. Hematoma is a condition that usually arises from some form of blunt force or direct trauma-related injury to the muscles and/or bones due to the high blood vessels around those areas. This injury can cause swelling which creates pressure on these vessels causing red blood cells to either leak into the soft tissue, tissues fluids, or even lead to a blocked flow of fresh oxygenated blood through these vessels if not treated promptly with an incision.

A hematocrit test analyzes the volume of red blood cells in one cubic millimeter of blood. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from tissues and organs. The more severely an individual is afflicted with anemia, the lower the percentage of red blood cells they would have in one cubic millimeter of their own cardiac tissue.

If you endure a deep cut on your arm, your body will release stress hormones such as cortisol or epinephrine that prepare your immune system for increased levels of intense activity. These types of stress hormones also trigger a large release of iron from storage sites on red blood cells so that enough iron is available to help form new erythrocytes.

A haemogram is a study of the cellular inclusions in one's blood based on their shape, color, size, and specific gene expression. This process involves pumping a person's blood through a machine (this machine includes some spinning disks that separate out each type of cell for study). However, this test is not commonly done. Instead, analysis is usually limited to basic counts of red and white blood cells as well as platelets.

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Common Respiratory Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Prevention

Respiratory infections are one of the leading causes of illness across all age groups. They affect the respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, airways and lungs. While many respiratory infections are mild and self-limiting, some can become severe, especially in vulnerable populations.

Most respiratory infections are viral; antibiotics are not always required unless bacterial infection is confirmed.

In Common Cold vs Flu, add

Flu is usually more severe, with sudden fever, marked fatigue, and body aches.

Add COVID-19 mention briefly under respiratory infections list as an important viral infection

Understanding common respiratory infections, their causes and prevention strategies is essential for protecting lung health and preventing complications.

What Are Respiratory Infections?

Respiratory infections occur when viruses, bacteria or other pathogens infect the respiratory system. They are broadly classified into:

upper respiratory infections
lower respiratory infections

Upper respiratory infections affect the nose and throat, while lower respiratory infections involve the lungs and bronchi.

Common Types of Respiratory Infections

Common Cold

The most frequent respiratory infection, caused by viruses.

Symptoms include:

runny or blocked nose
sore throat
sneezing
mild cough

Influenza (Flu)

A viral infection that may cause more severe symptoms than the common cold.

Symptoms include:

high fever
body aches
fatigue
cough

Bronchitis

Inflammation of the bronchial tubes.

Symptoms include:

persistent cough
chest discomfort
mucus production

Pneumonia

A serious lung infection affecting air sacs.

Symptoms include:

fever
breathlessness
chest pain
productive cough

Sinus Infections

Infection of the sinus cavities.

Symptoms include:

facial pain
nasal congestion
headache

Causes of Respiratory Infections

Viral Causes

Viruses are the most common cause of respiratory infections and spread easily.

Bacterial Causes

Certain infections like pneumonia and sinusitis may be bacterial and require medical treatment.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to:

air pollution
smoke
allergens

can weaken respiratory defences.

Weakened Immunity

Low immunity increases susceptibility to infection.

How Respiratory Infections Spread

Respiratory infections commonly spread through:

coughing and sneezing
close personal contact
contaminated surfaces
crowded environments

Poor ventilation increases transmission risk.

Symptoms That Should Not Be Ignored

Seek medical advice if experiencing:

high or persistent fever
difficulty breathing
chest pain
bluish lips or nails
prolonged cough

Early care prevents complications.

Why Respiratory Infections Are Common in Certain Seasons

Seasonal factors such as:

cold weather
monsoon humidity
indoor crowding

increase infection spread.

Who Is Most at Risk?

High-risk groups include:

infants and children
elderly individuals
pregnant women
people with asthma, COPD or heart disease

Extra precautions are essential for these groups.

Prevention of Common Respiratory Infections

Maintain Good Hand Hygiene

Regular handwashing reduces transmission.

Follow Respiratory Etiquette

Cover mouth and nose while coughing or sneezing.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

Proper ventilation reduces airborne spread.

Stay Vaccinated

Vaccination protects against infections like influenza and pneumonia.

Strengthen Immunity

Balanced diet, adequate sleep and physical activity support immune health.

Avoid Smoking and Second-Hand Smoke

Smoke damages airway defence mechanisms.

Role of Nutrition in Respiratory Health

Adequate intake of:

vitamins
minerals
antioxidants

supports immune response and lung health.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early identification:

reduces disease severity
prevents complications
limits spread

Timely care improves recovery.

Long-Term Impact of Recurrent Respiratory Infections

Repeated infections may lead to:

chronic cough
reduced lung function
increased vulnerability to future illness

Prevention protects long-term respiratory health.

When to Consult a Doctor

Medical evaluation is recommended if:

symptoms worsen
recovery is delayed
breathing difficulty occurs

Prompt care reduces risk.

Conclusion

Common respiratory infections are widespread but largely preventable. Viruses, bacteria, environmental exposure and weakened immunity contribute to their development. Understanding symptoms, causes and prevention strategies helps individuals take early action and protect lung health. By practising good hygiene, staying vaccinated, improving immunity and seeking timely medical care, the risk of respiratory infections and their complications can be significantly reduced.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Respiratory Infections and Prevention Guidelines
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Acute Respiratory Infection Reports
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – Respiratory Disease Surveillance
Lancet Respiratory Medicine – Infection and Lung Health Studies
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare – Seasonal Respiratory Advisory
Statista – Global Respiratory Infection Trends

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