Pathological hemolysis of blood: causes, symptoms and methods of treatment

Hemolysis of blood is a process accompanied by the destruction of red blood cells (red blood cells) and the release of hemoglobin. Undoubtedly, this phenomenon is quite natural, since on average red blood cells live about 110-130 days. Nevertheless, in some cases premature destruction of red blood cells can lead to various complications, and sometimes to death.

Hemolysis of blood and its varieties

To date, it is common to distinguish two main forms of pathological hemolysis:

• Intravascular decay of erythrocytes occurs directly in the cavity of the vessel and is accompanied by the release into the blood of free hemoglobin. Such a violation can be the result of some autoimmune diseases, the penetration of poisons into the blood and a number of toxins.
• Intracellular hemolysis of blood is accompanied by the destruction of erythrocytes in the tissues of certain organs, in particular, the liver, spleen and bone marrow. In most cases, this is a natural mechanism for recycling old cells. Elevated levels of disintegration may indicate the presence of some serious illnesses.

Hemolysis of blood: causes

In fact, the disintegration of red cells can be the result of completely different factors, both internal and external environment.

• Quite often the cause is some toxins, as well as medicines.
• There is also biological hemolysis, which is caused by the poison of insects and some other animals.
• As already mentioned, pathology can occur against a background of some serious diseases of the body, including autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks its own blood cells.
• Transfusion of unsuitable blood can also cause destruction of red blood cells.
• Risk factors include temperature fluctuations, ultrasound effects.

In any case, the reason is extremely important, since it is the choice of the method of treatment that depends on it.

Hemolysis of blood and its symptoms

In fact, pathological hemolysis is an extremely dangerous condition. Its symptoms directly depend on the rate and degree of destruction of red blood cells. And do not forget that it is the red blood cells responsible for gas exchange between tissues - with a decrease in their number, oxygen starvation occurs .

Often, on the background of hemolysis, a special, rapidly progressing form of anemia develops. With a similar disease, patients complain of decreased performance, persistent weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, decreased appetite. If the destruction of erythrocytes occurs within the organs, the disease is accompanied by an increase in the liver and spleen, periodic pain in the right hypochondrium. In more severe cases it is possible to observe the development of jaundice - the skin and sclera of the eyes acquire a characteristic yellowish hue.

Hemolysis of blood: treatment

As already mentioned, therapy directly depends on the form and causes of hemolysis. For example, when poisoning is necessary to remove from the body of toxin. The defeat of the animal's poison requires the introduction of an antidote. In some cases, blood transfusion is performed, but only from the most suitable donor. Of course, the patient is assigned a bed rest and a sparing diet. Sometimes an operation is performed to remove the spleen.