My father is suffering from unknown blood loss. How to find the reason?

Question

Hi doctor,

My father is 67 years old. He is suffering from loss of blood without knowing him. What will be the cause? They have consulted a local physician, and he said nothing to worry about it. But, he did not give any cause of it. Please help me to understand the cause and necessary treatment.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com. Loss of blood can stem from various factors. Gastrointestinal bleeding, for instance, might manifest as black, tarry, malodorous stools, even in small quantities. However, absence of these symptoms doesn't exclude the possibility. A stool test for occult blood is advisable to ascertain this condition. Causes could range from gastritis and acidity to deficiencies in iron and different vitamins.

Your father's case necessitates a peripheral smear examination, serum iron studies, and tests for vitamin B12 and folic acid levels. Identifying the underlying cause is pivotal for effective treatment. Once the reports are available, it will be essential to determine the appropriate course of action.

Thank you.