A comparatively rare specialization in medicine is hematology, so many people are not aware, the hematologist is who he is, what diseases he treats and in what cases a consultation of this doctor is needed. Let's talk about all this further.
Hematologist - who is this and what heals?
Hematology - a division of medicine, whose name has ancient Greek roots and literally translates as "teaching and blood." The main task of this science is to study the structure and functioning of the blood system. Under the blood system is understood the totality of the organs of hemopoiesis (bone marrow, lymph nodes, thymus), organs of blood destruction (spleen, blood vessels) and the blood itself (its components). Proceeding from this, the doctor-hematologist is engaged in revealing and treatment of pathologies of the blood system.
Since the blood washes all the organs and tissues of the body, having with them an inextricable link, hematologists are required to possess a comprehensive knowledge of medical science. Qualification of a specialist in this field is received by therapists after a two-year course in hematology. In the future, the hematologist's field of activity may be related to one of two areas:
- Research activity - work in laboratories where various analyzes of blood and bone marrow samples are carried out and their results are interpreted, experiments are conducted, new methods of diagnostics and treatment are developed.
- Treatment and prophylactic activities - practical work directly with patients, which involves the admission of patients, the appointment of diagnostic measures, the selection of treatment regimens and so on.
The hematologist is who?
As already noted, the specialization of a practicing hematologist focuses on the diagnosis of pathologies of the blood system and their treatment. In addition, these doctors are engaged in studying the causes of the emergence of diseases, own methods of preventing their development. They closely cooperate with doctors of other specialties: surgeons, oncologists, gynecologists, geneticists and so on. There are also such directions as a children's hematologist (he deals with blood diseases in children), a hematologist-oncologist (he is engaged in the recognition and treatment of malignant diseases of the blood system).
What treats a hematologist?
Considering, the hematologist - who it is, it is worth noting that the field of activity of this specialist includes pathologies that can lead to a violation of the development and utilization of blood components. At the same time, it is not within his competence to damage the organs of hematopoiesis or blood destruction, not causing a failure of synthesis and utilization of blood components (eg, spleen injuries, inflammation of lymph nodes and others).
To better understand what the hematologist does, list the main pathologies that he treats:
- anemia of various origin;
- myeloma;
- myeloid leukemia ;
- lymphocytic leukemia;
- autoimmune thrombocytopenia ;
- radiation sickness;
- leukocytosis;
- leukopenia and so on.
When should I go to a hematologist?
There are certain manifestations that should be paid attention to, since they can be symptoms of hematologic problems. Let us distinguish these signs, indicating when to address the hematologist:
- increased body temperature, noted from time to time for no apparent reason;
- persistent weakness, fatigue;
- severe sweating;
- persistent redness of facial skin;
- cyanosis of the skin, not associated with diseases of internal organs;
- enlarged lymph nodes;
- frequent pain in the head of an unknown origin;
- weight loss without objective reasons;
- bruising with minor bumps;
- prolonged bleeding after minor incisions;
- a regular sensation of tingling at the fingertips;
- prolonged menstrual irregularity.
In addition, a consultation of a hematologist is required in such cases:
- the onset of pregnancy;
- planning the conception of a child;
- increased radioactive background in the territory of residence.
How is the hematologist's appointment?
Often, the hematologist receives a referral in the direction of the local therapist or other attending physician. These specialists accept patients in large medical centers, oncological polyclinics, private clinics, and you will not find hematologists in ordinary regional polyclinics. When going to see a hematologist, you should be prepared for the fact that some diagnostic activities can be scheduled on the same day. In view of this, it is recommended that the following rules be observed:
- Do not eat for 12 hours before visiting the hematologist.
- Do not smoke or drink alcohol.
- Exclude the use of medications.
- Limit fluid intake a day before the consultation.
What and how does the hematologist check?
Many patients who are going to visit this specialist, worried about what the hematologist is testing, how the reception will be conducted. In most cases, the reception starts with the fact that the doctor listens to complaints, interviews the patient, studies the medical history. After this, a physical examination is carried out, which includes the following:
- palpation of lymph nodes;
- examination of the tonsils;
- palpation of the spleen;
- examination of skin, mucous membranes.
What tests can the hematologist appoint?
The data obtained after the collection of anamnesis and physical examination, rarely allow to accurately identify the deviation from the norm, do not give a complete picture of the pathology. This requires specific laboratory and instrumental studies. It is important to know what tests the hematologist prescribes, and to conduct all the necessary studies. First of all, a general and biochemical blood test is required. Those who have already done this, the hematologist can recommend such procedures:
- blood test for syphilis (Wasserman reaction);
- blood test for HIV;
- a blood test for hepatitis;
- coagulogram;
- general urine analysis;
- examination of feces for latent blood.
In addition, it may be necessary to perform bone marrow puncture with a subsequent laboratory examination of punctate (myelogram) and such instrumental methods of investigation:
- Ultrasound of the abdominal cavity and lymph nodes;
- CT scan;
- Magnetic resonance imaging;
- radiography of flat bones;
- scintigraphy.
Hematologist advice
Hematologic disorders are one of the most dangerous, and it is very difficult to prevent them. In order to recognize the progress of the disease in time, it is necessary to consult a doctor more quickly if there are warning signs. In addition, it is desirable to comply with such recommendations of a hematologist:
- Regularly perform a blood test to control the level of leukocytes, red blood cells and hemoglobin;
- To refuse from bad habits;
- More time spent in the fresh air;
- Do sport.