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Hemolytic Anemia – Causes And Treatment
November 11, 2009
Hemolytic anemia is characterized by rapid destruction of red blood cells. The average life span of the red blood cells in people suffering from hemolytic anemia is lower than the life span of normal red blood cells.
Types of hemolytic anemia
There are two types of hemolytic anemia – intrinsic hemolytic anemia and extrinsic hemolytic anemia. Intrinsic hemolytic anemia is usually an inherited condition, in which the individual suffering from the condition is born with defective red blood cells. Thalassemia and sickle cell anemia are examples of intrinsic hemolytic anemia. Extrinsic hemolytic anemia is an acquired condition. An underlying infection or disease is responsible for this condition. Healthy red blood cells are destroyed by an infection or medication before they are able to complete their normal life cycle.
Certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, ulcerative colitis and Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome could cause hemolytic anemia. Certain viral, bacterial and fungal infections, such as typhoid fever, hepatitis, E.coli, streptococcus and Epstein-Barr virus could cause this condition. Extrinsic hemolytic anemia could occur as a side effect of certain medications, such as penicillin and anti-malarial drugs.
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia
The common symptoms of hemolytic anemia are fatigue, pale skin and nail color, headache and shortness of breath. Hemolytic anemia could also increase heart rate, enlargement of liver and spleen, jaundice, upper abdomen pain and leg sore.
Hemolytic anemia treatment
People with mild hemolytic anemia could lead a normal healthy life without any medical intervention. However, lifelong medical support is needed for people suffering from severe hemolytic anemia. People suffering from severe hemolytic anemia require routine blood transfusion. Sometimes medications could help to keep hemolytic anemia caused by autoimmune diseases under control. Removing antibodies from the blood through plasmapheresis is sometimes recommended for treating hemolytic anemia.
Surgery to remove the enlarged spleen from the body could reduce the rate of destruction of red blood cells. Blood and marrow stem cell transplant can also help to cure this disease. Cold temperature could accelerate destruction of red blood cells. People suffering from hemolytic anemia should avoid cold weather conditions. They should wear enough warm clothes to keep the body warm during winter. People born with defective red blood cells should avoid medicines, naphthalene and fava beans, which might trigger destruction of red blood cells.
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