The human body is like a network of rivers, with blood vessels extending in all directions and distributing throughout the body. Blood, which is essentially river water, is a red, viscous liquid composed of plasma and cells. Plasma contains a variety of substances including proteins, enzymes, carbohydrates, fats, inorganic salts and more, each with their own normal range. The cells within blood include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets that all serve important functions within the body. However, when the body is ill, the quantity and quality of these components can change, impacting their ability to perform their roles.
Red blood cells serve as the primary mode of transportation within our bodies. They perform the essential function of delivering fresh oxygen to the various parts of our body that require it. Surprisingly, red blood cells lack the usual anatomical features found in human bodies, like muscles, nerves, and bones, yet they function flawlessly. In addition to delivering oxygen, they also help transport carbon dioxide to our lungs and remove it from our system.
When the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin decreases, the body's transportation capacity drops, leading to shortness of breath, dizziness, and limb weakness symptoms, among others. Such symptoms do not necessarily indicate anemia, as other ailments may exhibit similar symptoms. Therefore, blood tests become crucial in understanding the root cause. If the hemoglobin or red blood cell count is low, doctors can diagnose anemia. Subsequently, doctors conduct various blood tests to identify the type of anemia and initiate corresponding treatments.
An example of the body's defensive mechanism can be observed in the behavior of white blood cells. Normally, the body maintains a population of 5000 to 10000 white blood cells per cubic millimeter. However, when harmful bacteria invade, these cells swiftly respond under the guidance of the central nervous system. They encircle and eliminate the bacteria, safeguarding our health. In cases where the bacterial invasion is severe and relentless, the number of white blood cells escalates in an attempt to devour the pathogens. During such situations, patients might experience symptoms like fever or local inflammation. By assessing the increase in white blood cells, the types present, and considering the patient's symptoms, doctors can accurately diagnose the condition at hand.
In addition to aiding in disease diagnosis, blood tests are also valuable for monitoring the effectiveness of treatments. For instance, in the case of diabetes, a initial blood sugar level in the range of 80-120 mg is considered normal (with 100 mg being the average). As treatment progresses, the blood sugar levels gradually decrease, leading to the absence of sugar in urine, which indicates successful treatment.
