Hemolytic Anemia Part 2: Do i have it?

Hai again awesome people! You must be curious on what are the symptoms of hemolytic anemia and wonder if you know someone who have it, right? No worries, you can sit back while reading this post.

COMMON SYMPTOMS

Because there are so many different causes of hemolytic anemia, each person can have different symptoms. However, there are some shared symptoms that many people experience when they have hemolytic anemia.

Some symptoms of hemolytic anemia are the same as other forms of anemia.

Each person’s symptoms may vary. Symptoms may include:

• Abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
• Yellowish skin, eyes, and mouth (jaundice)
• Dark-colored urine
• Fever
• Weakness
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Can’t handle physical activity
• Enlarged spleen and liver
• Increased heart rate (tachycardia)
• Heart murmur

IMPORTANT: You can’t depend on this symptoms 100% because the symptoms of hemolytic anemia may look like other blood conditions or health problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a  proper and thorough diagnosis.

 

HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?

I’m sure you might be scared when you found out most of the symptoms are presents. You cannot 100% assume you’re suffering hemolytic anemia, thats the reason why you need see healthcare provider for confirmation.

IF your healthcare provider may think you have hemolytic anemia based on your symptoms, your medical history, and a physical exam, they may also order the following tests:

• Complete blood count (CBC). This test measures many different parts of your blood.
• Other blood tests. If the CBC test shows that you have anemia, you may have other blood tests. These can find out what type of anemia you have and how serious it is.
• Urine test. This can check for hemoglobin and iron.
• Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy. This involves taking a small sample of bone marrow fluid or solid bone marrow tissue. The sample is usually taken from the hip bones. It is checked for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells or abnormal cells.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS?

Treatment options for hemolytic anemia differ depending on severity of the condition, your age, your health, and your tolerance to certain medications.

Treatment options for hemolytic anemia include:

• intravenous immunoglobulin
• corticosteroid medication
• surgery

Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)

A low blood cell count can negatively affect the way your immune system fights infection. You may be given immunoglobulin intravenously in the hospital to improve your immune system function.

Corticosteroids

In the case of an extrinsic form of hemolytic anemia of autoimmune origin, you may be prescribed corticosteroids. They can stop your immune system from making antibodies that destroy red blood cells.

Surgery

In severe cases, your spleen may need to be removed. The spleen is where red blood cells are destroyed. Removing the spleen can reduce how fast red blood cells are destroyed. However, this is usually used as an option only after all other treatments have been used.

Well, this is the end of my post for now. I have one question for you guys:

If you don’t understand or confused in any parts of my explanation, please feel free to contact us here!

Signing out,

N.A