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Haemolytic Anaemia is a condition where your red blood cells are destroyed and removed from the body faster than they can be replaced. This can happen for several reasons, including inherited conditions, infections, autoimmune diseases, reactions to medication and toxins. Symptoms of haemolytic anaemia include tiredness, weakness, pale skin, jaundice, dark urine, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. 

Haemolytic anaemia is a blood condition in which red blood cells are destroyed quicker than they can be made by the bone marrow. Under normal circumstances, red blood cells circulate for a few months, carrying oxygen around the body. This condition can lead to anaemia and diminished oxygen delivery to tissues as a consequence of excessive breakdown (haemolysis).

Haemolytic anaemia can be either inherited or acquired. The inherited types of haemolytic anaemia result from anomalies in the membranes of red blood cells, haemoglobin, or enzymes. Acquired forms may arise due to autoimmune reactions, certain drugs, infections, blood transfusion reactions or mechanical damage to red blood cells. How severe it is and how fast it progresses depends on what’s causing it.

Symptoms can include tiredness, weakness, a pale or yellow complexion, disorientation, a rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath and dark-coloured urine. Some people may acquire an enlarged spleen or gallstones from the accelerated breakdown of red blood cells.

Diagnosis can include a full blood count, reticulocyte count, bilirubin testing, lactate dehydrogenase measurement, haptoglobin levels, blood smear examination and specific tests such as the direct antiglobulin test.