Bone marrow in your body is responsible for producing all kinds of blood cells namely red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Each of them has discrete function and helps in maintaining the body healthy. Sometimes, red blood cells are destroyed no sooner than it is produced. Hemolysis is the process of destruction of destruction of red blood cells. Mild form of hemolysis may not produce any symptoms but in severe cases it can cause hemolytic anemia.
People with blood related disorders like sickle cell anemia, leukemia and lymphoma cancer are at high risk of developing hemolytic anemia. In severe cases it can be life threatening when the vital organs are damaged. Variety of infections and prolonged use of certain drugs can cause hemolytic anemia. This disorder can be treated with blood transfusion, corticosteroid drugs and various other approaches.
Types :
Hemolytic anemia can occur due to external or internal causes. When the spleen of your own body traps all the healthy red blood cells and destroys them you may develop extrinsic hemolytic anemia. The same type of anemia can develop due to other causes like autoimmune disorders and blood cancer.
Intrinsic hemolytic anemia is one in which the causes are internal. Here the bone marrow produces defective blood cells. People with blood related disorders like sickle cell anemia develop this kind of anemia. People belonging to African American origin are prone to develop hemolytic anemia.