Haemolytic

Haemolytic refers to the destruction of red blood cells, a process that can lead to conditions such as haemolytic anaemia. This process can occur due to various reasons, including immune system dysfunction, infections, and certain genetic conditions.

Causes

Haemolysis can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Immune system dysfunction: The immune system may mistakenly identify red blood cells as foreign substances and destroy them.
• Infections: Certain infections can cause haemolysis, including malaria and sepsis.
• Genetic conditions: Certain genetic conditions, such as sickle cell anaemia and thalassemia, can cause haemolysis.

Symptoms

The symptoms of haemolysis can vary depending on the underlying cause and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms may include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Dark urine

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of haemolysis typically involves a series of tests, including:

• Blood tests: These can help determine the number of red blood cells in the blood and whether they are being destroyed at an abnormal rate.
• Bone marrow tests: These can help identify any problems with the production of red blood cells.

Treatment

Treatment for haemolysis depends on the underlying cause. It may include:

• Treating the underlying cause: This may involve medication to treat an infection or immune system disorder, or surgery to remove a problematic spleen.
• Blood transfusions: In severe cases, a blood transfusion may be necessary to replace the destroyed red blood cells.
• Medications: Certain medications can help increase the production of red blood cells or reduce the rate at which they are destroyed.

See also

• Anaemia
• Red blood cell
• Blood transfusion

Haemolytic Resources
Need Help Finding a Doctor? WikiMD's DocFinder can help find general and specialist physicians.	Latest articles Most recent articles Ongoing trials.