What is hemolytic (hemolysis) anemia?
Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which erythrocytes (red blood cells) are destroyed faster than they can form.
There are 2 main types of hemolytic anemia: hereditary and acquired.
Erythrocytes form in the bone marrow, and the process of breaking down old or defective red blood cells at a normal rate is called hemolysis. However, when the body mistakenly removes more than the recommended number of red blood cells, hemolytic anemia develops.
Genetic blood diseases significantly increase the risk of developing this type of anemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia include:
- dark urine
- fatigue
- dizziness
- lightheadedness
- heart palpitations
- a headache
- jaundice, or yellowing skin and eyes
- an enlarged spleen or liver
Complications
In severe cases, hemolytic anemia can lead to:
- chills
- fever
- back and abdominal pain
- shock
Source:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324469#hemolytic-anemia
