Hemolytic anemia is a condition in which red blood cells (RBCs) are destroyed faster than they can be produced. This can lead to anemia, a condition in which the body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia
The most common symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Shortness of breath
• Dark urine
• Rapid heart rate
• Enlarged spleen
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia
If you have any of the symptoms of hemolytic anemia, your doctor may order tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC) or a reticulocyte count, to diagnose the condition. Your doctor may also order other tests, such as a Coombs test or a peripheral blood smear, to help diagnose the type of hemolytic anemia you may have.
Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia
The treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the type and cause of the condition. Treatment may include medications, such as corticosteroids or immune suppressants, blood transfusions, or a procedure called plasmapheresis. In some cases, a bone marrow or stem cell transplant may be necessary.
