Hemolysisis the breakdown ofred blood cells. Red blood cells normally live for about 120 days. After that, they die and break down. Red blood cells carry oxygen to all of the body. If red blood cells are breaking down abnormally, there will be fewer of them to carry oxygen. Some diseases and conditions cause red blood cells to break down too soon, causing fatigue and other more serious symptoms.
Blend_Images / Getty Images
Types of Hemolytic Anemia
There are many types ofhemolytic anemiaand the condition can be inherited (your parents passed the gene for the condition on to you) or acquired (you are not born with the condition, but you develop it sometime in your lifetime). The following disorders and conditions are some examples of different types of hemolytic anemias:
Other Causes of Damage to Red Blood Cells
Certain infections, chemicals, and substances can also damage red blood cells, leading to hemolytic anemia. Some examples include toxic chemicals, malaria, tick-borne diseases or snake venom.
Blood Tests Used to Diagnose Hemolysis
Seeing your healthcare provider is the first step to getting a diagnosis of hemolytic anemia. Your practitioner may evaluate your medical and family history in addition to a physical exam and blood tests. Some blood tests used to diagnose hemolysis are:
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hemolytic anemia.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Sickle cell disease.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thalassemias.MedlinePlus.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.MedlinePlus.Immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Nationial Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Genetics Home Reference.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.MedlinePlus.Hemolytic anemia.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Sickle cell disease.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thalassemias.MedlinePlus.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.MedlinePlus.Immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Nationial Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Genetics Home Reference.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
MedlinePlus.Hemolytic anemia.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Sickle cell disease.NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thalassemias.MedlinePlus.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.MedlinePlus.Immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Nationial Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.MedlinePlus.Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia.NIH: Genetics Home Reference.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
MedlinePlus.Hemolytic anemia.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Sickle cell disease.
NIH: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Thalassemias.
MedlinePlus.Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency.
MedlinePlus.Immune hemolytic anemia.
NIH: Nationial Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute.Your guide to anemia.
MedlinePlus.Drug-induced immune hemolytic anemia.
NIH: Genetics Home Reference.Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
Meet Our Medical Expert Board
Share Feedback
Was this page helpful?Thanks for your feedback!What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
What is your feedback?OtherHelpfulReport an ErrorSubmit
What is your feedback?
