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Dr. Andrew Rynne

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Exp 50 years

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Suggest The Type Of Specialist To Consult For Dropping Hemoglobin Level

My 97 year old father is basically healthy & well-functioning. However his hemoglobin levels keep dropping. The doctor(s) put him in hospital for a blood transfusion or 2 or 3 and it drops again. What type of doctor is best to consult with? He has a primary care, hematologist, oncologist, radiologist, cardiac .. he appears to be leaking blood probably in the upper GI tract. What field of medicine is best for another opinion?
posted on Fri, 14 Mar 2014
Twitter Sat, 27 Dec 2014 Answered on
Twitter Mon, 29 Dec 2014 Last reviewed on
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hello and welcome to HCM,
Fall in hemoglobin can occur in a number of conditions.
Gastrointestinal tract is a very common site of bleeding and thus fall in hemoglobin.
Blood loss can occur in cases of ulcers, polyps, or growths.
In elderly there is increased risk of development of malignant tumors.
Thus, as first line investigation, complete hemogram and peripheral blood smear examination should be done.
In addition, stool for occult blood should also be done.
presence of occult blood in stools suggests bleeding from gastrointestinal tract and thus requires colonoscopy for further assessment.

Thanks and take care
Dr Shailja P Wahal
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Suggest The Type Of Specialist To Consult For Dropping Hemoglobin Level

Hello and welcome to HCM, Fall in hemoglobin can occur in a number of conditions. Gastrointestinal tract is a very common site of bleeding and thus fall in hemoglobin. Blood loss can occur in cases of ulcers, polyps, or growths. In elderly there is increased risk of development of malignant tumors. Thus, as first line investigation, complete hemogram and peripheral blood smear examination should be done. In addition, stool for occult blood should also be done. presence of occult blood in stools suggests bleeding from gastrointestinal tract and thus requires colonoscopy for further assessment. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal