Symptoms of Acquired Hemolytic Anemia
Acquired Hemolytic Anemia (AHA) is a type of anemia that is caused by the destruction of red blood cells (RBCs) that occurs outside of the bone marrow. People with AHA often experience a range of mild to severe symptoms, including fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes). Other common symptoms include dark urine, rapid heart rate, itching, abdominal pain, and confusion. In more severe cases, the patient may also experience fever, chest pain, and swelling in the legs and feet.
Hemolysis is the process of red blood cells being broken down and destroyed. This can be triggered by various causes, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain types of drugs or toxins.
Anemia is a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen to the body's tissues. This can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on the severity of the anemia.
Jaundice is a yellowish discoloration of the skin and eyes due to the buildup of bilirubin. Bilirubin is a byproduct of the breakdown of red blood cells. High levels of bilirubin can be a sign of AHA.
Fatigue is a common symptom of AHA. It is often caused by a lack of oxygen in the body due to the low number of RBCs. Fatigue can also be caused by the body's inability to repair and replace damaged cells.
Shortness of Breath can result from a decrease in oxygen in the bloodstream. This can be caused by the destruction of red blood cells, resulting in a decrease in the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.
Pale Skin is a sign of anemia. People with AHA often have pale skin due to the lack of healthy red blood cells in the body.
Itching can be caused by a buildup of bilirubin in the skin, which can be a sign of AHA. Itching can also be a symptom of other conditions.
Abdominal Pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including AHA. Abdominal pain can be a sign of an infection, autoimmune disorder, or an obstruction in the intestine.
Fever is a sign of an infection, which can be a complication of AHA. A fever can also be a sign of an autoimmune disorder.
Chest Pain can be caused by a variety of conditions, including AHA. Chest pain can be a sign of infection, inflammation, or an obstruction in the lungs.
Swelling in the Legs and Feet can be caused by a variety of conditions, including AHA. Swelling can be a sign of an infection, inflammation, or an obstruction in the veins.
