Cause 4. Hemolytic Anemia: A Rapid Destruction of Red Blood Cells
Hemolytic anemia is a form of severe anemia that occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than the body can produce them. This rapid destruction can be caused by a variety of factors, including autoimmune disorders, infections, medications, and inherited conditions.
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a condition in which the immune system mistakenly targets and destroys red blood cells, leading to severe anemia. The exact cause of this autoimmune response is often unknown, but it can be triggered by infections, certain medications, or other underlying health conditions.
Infections, such as malaria and certain bacterial or viral infections, can also cause hemolytic anemia by directly damaging red blood cells or stimulating the immune system to destroy them. In these cases, treating the underlying infection is crucial to resolving the anemia.
Finally, inherited conditions such as sickle cell anemia, thalassemia, and hereditary spherocytosis can cause hemolytic anemia by affecting the structure and function of red blood cells, making them more prone to destruction. Treatment for these conditions may involve blood transfusions, medications, or, in some cases, bone marrow transplantation. (4)
