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Published on: Sep 11, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Second Opinion

What is CBC test?

CBC stands for a complete blood count. This test is ordered together with, or in lieu of, other tests to find out certain facts about your blood that you can't observe just by looking at the rest of the machine's readout, such as whether you have any abnormally high levels of red and white cells; if there are too many platelets (blood-clotting cells) or too few; what your hematocrit reading reveals (the percentage of circulating red blood cells); or if there are any abnormalities in how your hemoglobin is doing.

A CBC blood test measures a patient's hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cell count. The "CBC" stands for "Complete Blood Count." A CBC test typically catches dangerous aspects of one's health before they could reach a crisis point because there are telltale green flags that show up on the blood screening. Understanding these green flags is imperative for those who suffer from chronic anemia or those who have been exposed to potentially life-threatening chemicals. This free-form amino acid should be supplemented inside a BCAA product as it has been shown to improve recovery rates following intense exercise sessions and acute liver damage in the rat model.

A cbc test, or complete blood count, is a screening test used to detect abnormalities in the colony of cells that reside in the bone marrow and typically produce all types of blood cells.

It also measures white and red blood cell counts as well as platelet counts. Platelets are the clotting components made by type-megakaryocyte cells residing in the bone marrow. White blood cells help fight infection from bacteria and other germs, while red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs to tissues scattered throughout your body. An abnormal white or red cell indicates a possible illness such as an infection or anemia (which causes reduced numbers of circulating red blood cells

Cbc Test is a diagnostic test used to examine the level of hemoglobin, red cells and white cells in the blood. The CBC can be used to diagnose anemia, infection or other diseases that affect the bone marrow. It may also be done along with a complete blood count (see CBC) or, when necessary, for chemical assessment after taking certain drugs or chemotherapy medications.

The cbc test (complete blood count) is a lab test that provides information on the number and type of cells in your body. A complete blood count (CBC) typically includes information such as red and white cell counts, platelet levels, hemoglobin levels, and other additional data.

A CBC is not typically ordered on its own unless you have symptoms that may be caused by one or more types of problems - for example something that might require further attention such as paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (blood disorder), chronic myelogenous leukemia (cancer), thalassemia major (disease). A CBC with differential is usually ordered when there are concerning symptoms or issues present.

CBC testing is a primary way in which a doctor can examine a patient's general health, because it contains information on many different aspects. A CBC typically records at least 7 different parameters:

•Hemoglobin - The protein in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to tissues and binds with carbon dioxide to carry it back from the tissues to be released into our airways.

•Red Blood Cell Count - Counts how many red blood cells there are, both normal and abnormal types. This cell type has been singled out because its life span averages 120 days so if there were few being produced, or they were not

However, it is more correctly called "CBC" because there are separate tests that are needed for the different parts of the blood - white cells, red cells, platelets, etc., all found in your complete blood count.

What can possibly be measured depends on what additives you need to do along with the primary measurement of how many cells per milliliter of whole blood you have after mixing with plasma or serum. The most common measurements are hemoglobin (the oxygen-carrying part), hematocrit (counts red cell volume) and mean corpuscular volume.

CBC looks at the various types of cells that are present in your blood - red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This comprehensive test is used to measure the number of each type of cell in relation to one another on a per-microliter basis. It's used primarily as an indicator of health risk for certain time periods (for example infection or bone marrow), but can also be ordered when there are internal bleeding concerns. Common uses include monitoring kidney disease during dialysis treatment, chemotherapy after exposure to radiation therapy, hemolytic anaemias (blood disorders), chronic liver diseases, extreme iron overload due to repeated transfusions, heavy menstrual cycles during pregnancy.

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Shortness of Breath Causes: From Common Triggers to Serious Health Conditions

Shortness of breath, medically known as dyspnea, is a symptom that ranges from mild discomfort during exertion to a distressing sensation of not getting enough air. In India, increasing air pollution, lifestyle diseases and respiratory infections have made breathlessness a frequent complaint across age groups. Understanding shortness of breath causes is essential to identify when it is harmless and when it signals a medical emergency.

What Is Shortness of Breath?

Shortness of breath refers to difficulty breathing or a feeling of air hunger.

It may present as:

rapid breathing
shallow breathing
tightness in the chest
inability to take a deep breath

The sensation can develop suddenly or gradually.

Common and Benign Causes of Shortness of Breath

Physical Exertion

During exercise, the body demands more oxygen.

Temporary breathlessness during:

climbing stairs
running
heavy physical work

is normal and resolves with rest.

Anxiety and Panic Attacks

Stress and anxiety alter breathing patterns.

Symptoms include:

rapid breathing
chest tightness
dizziness

These episodes often resolve with calming techniques.

Respiratory Causes of Shortness of Breath

Asthma

Asthma causes airway narrowing and inflammation.

Symptoms include:

wheezing
chest tightness
breathlessness during exertion or at night

Asthma is a leading cause of chronic breathlessness.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.

Risk factors include:

smoking
indoor air pollution
occupational exposure

WHO identifies COPD as a major cause of breathlessness in adults.

Respiratory Infections

Infections such as pneumonia and bronchitis reduce lung capacity.

Breathlessness may be accompanied by:

cough
fever
chest pain

Severe infections require urgent treatment.

Heart-Related Causes of Shortness of Breath

Heart Failure

The heart fails to pump blood efficiently.

This leads to:

fluid accumulation in lungs
breathlessness on exertion
breathlessness while lying flat

ICMR data shows heart disease as a major contributor to unexplained breathlessness.

Coronary Artery Disease

Reduced blood supply to the heart can cause:

breathlessness
chest discomfort
fatigue

This may occur even without chest pain in some individuals.

Blood and Metabolic Causes

Anemia

Low hemoglobin reduces oxygen delivery.

Common symptoms include:

fatigue
breathlessness on mild activity
pale skin

NFHS-5 highlights anemia as highly prevalent in India.

Thyroid Disorders

Hyperthyroidism increases metabolic demand, causing breathlessness.

Hypothyroidism may contribute indirectly through weight gain and reduced stamina.

Lung Circulation Disorders

Pulmonary Embolism

A blood clot in the lungs causes sudden, severe breathlessness.

This is a medical emergency and may be accompanied by:

chest pain
coughing blood
fainting

Immediate treatment is critical.

Lifestyle-Related Causes

Obesity

Excess body weight restricts lung expansion.

Breathlessness occurs due to:

increased oxygen demand
reduced lung volumes

Weight management improves breathing efficiency.

Sedentary Lifestyle

Poor physical conditioning reduces respiratory muscle strength.

Even mild exertion may cause breathlessness.

Environmental and Occupational Factors

Air Pollution

Pollutants irritate airways and reduce lung function.

Urban populations experience higher rates of breathlessness.

Workplace Exposure

Dust, chemicals and fumes increase respiratory risk.

Protective measures are essential in high-risk occupations.

When Shortness of Breath Is a Warning Sign

Seek urgent care if breathlessness:

starts suddenly
worsens rapidly
occurs at rest
is associated with chest pain, bluish lips or confusion

These may indicate life-threatening conditions.

How Shortness of Breath Is Diagnosed

Evaluation may include:

physical examination
chest imaging
blood tests
lung function tests
heart evaluation

Diagnosis focuses on identifying the root cause.

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Care

Prevention includes:

regular physical activity
pollution protection
smoking cessation
weight control
managing chronic conditions

Preventive healthcare reduces long-term risk.

Importance of Early Medical Evaluation

Delayed diagnosis can worsen outcomes, especially in:

heart disease
lung infections
anemia

Early care improves treatment success.

Conclusion

Shortness of breath causes range from temporary exertion and anxiety to serious heart, lung and blood disorders. While occasional breathlessness may be harmless, persistent or sudden symptoms should never be ignored. Understanding the underlying causes and seeking timely medical evaluation can prevent complications and save lives. Paying attention to changes in breathing is an essential step toward protecting overall health and wellbeing.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Respiratory and Cardiac Health Reports
World Health Organization (WHO) – Breathlessness and Chronic Disease Guidelines
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Anemia and Respiratory Health Data
Lancet – Dyspnea Evaluation and Outcomes Research
NITI Aayog – Non-Communicable Disease Prevention Reports
Statista – Respiratory Disease and Air Pollution Trends

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