Hemolytic Anemia

In this run-of-the-mill life, many people are unable to take care of their health, due to which they easily fall prey to many diseases. If they come to know about them in time, then it is fine, otherwise, they have to face serious consequences. One such disease is hemolytic anemia, about which we have brought information in this article of Myhealthonly. Here we will not only tell the causes of hemolytic anemia and the symptoms of hemolytic anemia, as will as know about the methods of its treatment and prevention.

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First of all, let us know what is hemolytic anemia.

What is Hemolytic Anemia?

Hemolytic anemia is a problem in which the number of red blood cells starts decreasing due to excessive hemolysis. Explain that hemolysis is the process in which the body normally destroys old red blood cells in the spleen or other parts.

If we understand it in a more simple language, then tell that hemolytic anemia is a form of anemia. In anemia, the body does not produce enough red blood cells. Usually, these red blood cells stay in the body for about 120 days, but in the case of hemolytic anemia, these red blood cells are destroyed earlier than normal.

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Let us know what can be the reasons for having Hemolytic Anemia.

Causes of Hemolytic Anemia

There are several possible causes of hemolytic anemia, which can destroy red blood cells:

• One cause of hemolytic anemia is an autoimmune problem in which the immune system mistakenly destroys red blood cells present in the body.
• Genetic defects in red blood cells such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, etc. can also cause hemolytic anemia.
• Sometimes it can also happen due to exposure to certain medicines, chemicals, or toxic substances.
• Infection can also cause this.
• Formation of blood clots in blood vessels.
• Taking blood from someone who does not match his or her blood type.

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After knowing the reason, we will know about the symptoms of hemolytic anemia further in the article.

Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia

If the anemia is mild then its symptoms do not appear, but as the problem of hemolytic anemia progresses, then these symptoms start appearing, then let us know about their symptoms:

• Feeling weak or tired more than usual
• Feeling like the heart is beating fast or racing when exercising
• Headache experience
• Dizziness
• Yellowing of the skin
• Trouble concentrating or thinking

If the problem of anemia has increased, then these symptoms may appear:

• Lightheadedness or dizziness upon standing
• Yellowing of the skin
• Feeling short of breath
• Sore tongue
• Enlarged spleen
• Chills
• Fever
• Back and stomach pain

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After knowing the symptoms of hemolytic anemia, know in the next section what are the risk factors of hemolytic anemia.

Risk Factors for Hemolytic Anemia

The risk factors for hemolytic anemia can be the same as for anemia, as it is a form of anemia. So let’s know about the risk factors of hemolytic anemia:

• Excessive menstruation
• Pregnancy
• Ulcer
• Colon cancer
• Genetic disorder
• Lack of iron, folic acid, or vitamin B12 in the diet.
• Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is a genetic disorder that most often affects males.

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Learn further in the article how hemolytic anemia can be diagnosed.

Diagnosis of Hemolytic Anemia

To diagnose hemolytic anemia, the doctor may ask the following questions and may recommend certain tests to confirm the disease.

• Physical examination: First of all, the doctor may do a physical examination with questions related to medical history.
• Blood test: The doctor may recommend a CBC test, which will diagnose anemia. Many different parts and characteristics of the blood can be measured through the CBC test.
• Bone marrow test: In this, bone marrow fluid is tested. This can reveal the number, size, and level of cells or abnormal cells present in the blood.
• Apart from this, the doctor can also ask for a urine test or genetic test.

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In this section, we will give information related to the treatment of hemolytic anemia.

Treatment of Hemolytic Anemia

Treatment of hemolytic anemia depends on the type and cause of the patient:

• In emergency situations, a blood transfusion may be required during the treatment of hemolytic anemia. Due to this, the destroyed red blood cells start changing into new blood cells.
• If this problem is happening due to hyperactivity of the immune system, then such medicines can be used, which can help to suppress the immune system i.e. reduce its hyperactivity.
• In addition, folic acid and iron supplements may also be advised if blood cells are rapidly depleting. Blood cells can be protected from destruction by their consumption.
• However, in some rare cases, surgery may be needed to take out the spleen. The spleen works by destroying old red blood cells. Removing it may prevent the red blood cells from being destroyed rapidly.

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Now know how hemolytic anemia can be prevented.

How to Avoid Hemolytic Anemia

As we mentioned above that hemolytic anemia is one form, in such a way, by adopting prevention from anemia, one can avoid it. Let us know the ways to avoid this:

• Include a balanced diet such as dairy foods, lean meats, nuts and legumes, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet.
• In the treatment of anemia, it is usually advised to make up for the lack of iron in the body. In this case, iron-rich foods such as lean meats and chicken, green leafy vegetables, and beans can be included.
• Eat and drink foods that can help with the absorption of iron in the body, such as orange juice, strawberries, broccoli, or fruits and vegetables rich in vitamin C.
• Avoid drinking coffee or tea with meals. These beverages can interfere with the absorption of iron.
• Apart from this, if someone is taking calcium pills, then he should also talk to his doctor. In fact, calcium can hinder the absorption of iron in the body.

By reading this article related to hemolytic anemia, you must have known a lot about it. At the same time, in this article, we have been told that this problem can increase gradually, so be aware of it as much as possible. If symptoms of hemolytic anemia are visible, contact the doctor immediately without delay. At the same time, keeping in mind the cause of hemolytic anemia mentioned in the article, one can try to avoid it.

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