Idiopathic Hemolytic Anemia

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells due to a problem with the body's defense (immune system).

Folic acid deficiency anemia. Folic acid is a member of the vitamin B family. It is used in the production of new red blood cells. Some people are not getting enough folic acid in their normal diet, so that their bodies are unable to produce enough red blood cells. In other cases, the body may not be able to properly use folic acid eaten.

Causes

Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia is an acquired disease that occurs when antibodies form against the esteem of an individual red blood cells. In the idiopathic form of the disease, the cause is unknown.

There are other types of immune hemolytic anemias where the cause may result from an underlying illness or medication. Idiopathic autoimmune hemolytic anemia accounts for half of all immune hemolytic anemia. The onset of the disease can be very fast and very serious.

Symptoms

Symptoms of AIHA vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms are fever, fatigue, pale skin, weakness, dizziness, confusion, low blood pressure, intolerance to physical activity, an enlarged liver, increased heart rate and heart murmur. When RBC destruction is rapid, mild jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes associated with dark urine may occur. If RBC destruction persists for prolonged periods, the spleen may become enlarged, causing symptoms of abdominal fullness or bloating.

When the cause of autoimmune hemolytic anemia is another disease, the symptoms of underlying disease, such as swollen lymph nodes and tender and fever, may dominate.

The conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, but they do not address the root causes. In general, undergoing extensive tests of natural medicine, the reasons the body is producing antibodies against itself can be found. Some of these reasons are sensitivities or allergies to foods, inhalants and chemicals and various infections.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medications, and medical history and perform a physical exam. You will probably be referred to a hematologist.

The tests may include the following:

extensive blood tests
Urinalysis

Treatment

In cases where symptoms of autoimmune hemolytic anemia are mild, or when the destruction of red blood cells seems to be down on its own, individuals may not require medical treatment.

However, in cases where anemia is caused by an underlying source, such as mononucleosis or viral drug used to treat mono, treatment usually involves dealing with the underlying cause. Treatment may also involve taking drugs cutter immune system like steroids or gamma globulin to help curb the system's attack of red blood cells.

The most common course of therapy for AIHA is the administration of high doses of corticosteroids like prednisone, which have a marked anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant that alters the functions of the various components of the immune system. Once the disease is in remission, low dose, intermittent treatment is continued for several months. Some dogs, however, did not respond to corticosteroids and require a more powerful immunosuppressive drugs that are often combined with corticosteroid treatment. These drugs include cytotoxic agents such as azathioprine and cyclophosphamide.