Anemia is a condition in which a person’s red blood cells are lower than normal, resulting in an insufficient amount of oxygen being delivered to the body’s tissues. Hemolytic anemia is a type of anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells. In order to determine if anemia is hemolytic, a health care provider will typically run a series of tests.
Signs and Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia
The most common symptoms of hemolytic anemia include fatigue, shortness of breath, paleness of the skin, yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), and dark urine. Other symptoms include rapid heart rate, abdominal pain, dizziness, and confusion.
Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia
In order to diagnose hemolytic anemia, a health care provider will typically perform a physical exam and order blood tests. These tests will measure the number of red blood cells, the amount of hemoglobin, and the size and shape of the red blood cells. Other tests may be ordered to look for antibodies or other markers that could indicate the presence of hemolytic anemia.
Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia
The treatment for hemolytic anemia will depend on the specific type of hemolytic anemia and the underlying cause. Treatment may include medications, such as corticosteroids, to reduce inflammation or antibiotics to treat any underlying infection. Blood transfusions may be necessary to replace red blood cells. In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may be necessary.
