Signs & Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia

Red blood cells form inside your bone marrow and function for 110 to 120 days before being destroyed through the natural process of hemolysis, according to the U.S. National Medical Library. Hemolytic anemia is a blood condition that occurs when your bone marrow is unable to produce enough new red blood cells to replace those destroyed by hemolysis, causing a deficiency of those cells.

Intrinsic Causes

• Some possible causes of hemolytic anemia are intrinsic or problems with the blood cells themselves. The most common intrinsic cause of hemolytic anemia are genetic conditions such as sickle cell anemia, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.

Extrinsic Causes

• Other causes of hemolytic anemia are extrinsic or based on factors outside your red blood cells. Extrinsic causes of hemolytic anemia include infections such as Epstein-Barr or hepatitis, use of some antibiotics or antiviral medications, leukemia, lymphoma, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, according to the U.S. National Medical Library.

Types of Signs and Symptoms

• Signs and symptoms of hemolytic anemia include chills, dark-colored urine, fatigue, paleness, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath and a yellowish tinge to your skin known as jaundice, according to the U.S. National Medical Library. Additionally, doctors often notice enlargement of the spleen upon examination of the abdomen.

Diagnosis

• Typically, diagnosis of hemolytic anemia results from routine blood tests, including red blood cell counts and hemoglobin measures.

Treatments

• If an extrinsic factor led to your shortage of red blood cells, your doctor is likely to take steps to treat the specific cause of your condition whenever possible. Other treatments for hemolytic anemia include vitamin and mineral supplements, changes in diet, prescription medications or surgery to remove your spleen, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.