Anemia is when the number of red blood cells in the body gets too low. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Without enough red blood cells, oxygen doesn't get to the body's organs. Without enough oxygen, the organs can't work normally.
Hemolytic (hee-muh-LIT-ik) anemia is a type of anemia that happens when red blood cells break down faster than the body can make them.
Depending on the type of hemolytic anemia, symptoms can be mild or very severe. There are treatments that can help.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Hemolytic Anemia?
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia may be mild and slowly get worse, or become severe quickly. Someone with hemolytic anemia might:
look pale
seem moody
be very tired
feel dizzy or lightheaded
have a fast heartbeat
breathe fast or feel short of breath
have (yellow skin and eyes)
have an enlarged spleen
have dark, tea-colored pee
What Causes Hemolytic Anemia?
There are many different causes for hemolytic anemia. Some causes are inherited (passed from parents to children) and some are not.
autoimmune hemolytic anemia: This happens when the infection-fighting immune system attacks red blood cells. Some medicines or an infection can trigger this as well some autoimmune diseases like lupus.
mechanical hemolytic anemia: This happens when something destroys red blood cells, such as:
test for antibodies to see if the immune system is attacking them (called a Coombs test)
check how fast the body is making new red blood cells
look for signs that many red blood cells are breaking down
check for any inherited anemias using specialized testing, sometimes genetic testing
How Is Hemolytic Anemia Treated?
Treatment for hemolytic anemia depends on the cause. A hematologist (a doctor who treats blood problems) helps children with hemolytic anemia get the treatment they need. These treatments may include:
Sometimes hemolytic anemia goes away with treatment and never comes back. But in some children, it causes ongoing medical problems. Many of these are treatable. The hematologist can help parents understand the details of their child's hemolytic anemia and recommend the best treatment.