1. Attacks on the Immune System
The immune system has been described as an army of white blood cells that protect our bodies from antigens. Antigens are harmful substances like bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, toxins, or foreign blood or tissue. In people who have an autoimmune disorder, the immune system can't tell the difference between an antigen and normal tissue, and the white blood cells try to destroy the normal tissue. In the case of a red blood cell autoimmune disorder, the immune system produces antibodies that destroy the red blood cells. Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen from your lungs to the bloodstream and then to the brain and other tissues and organs. Oxygenated blood is important to your overall health. There are more than 80 different autoimmune disorders.
2. Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Is More Than One Disorder
Autoimmune hemolytic anemia is the name given to a group of autoimmune disorders involving the red blood cells. These disorders can occur in people at any age, and they are more commonly seen in women than in men. In about half of cases, no cause can be found for autoimmune hemolytic anemia, but it can be caused by another autoimmune disease or can be triggered by a medication.
3. A Blood Test Can Tell for Sure
Sometimes people who develop autoimmune hemolytic anemia do not have any symptoms, but for other people, the destruction of the cells is rapid and symptoms occur. These include jaundice--a yellowing of the skin and the white of the eyes--and an enlarged spleen, which results in a constant state of fullness. If you think you might have this disorder, see your doctor. The diagnosis of anemia is based on the results of a blood test, which will show an increase in immature red blood cells. The diagnosis becomes autoimmune hemolytic anemia when blood tests such as a Coombs test pick up increased levels of certain antibodies that are either attached to red blood cells or the liquid part of the blood. There are also some tests that can be conducted to determine the cause of the disorder. Treatment will depend on the cause of the disorder and can range from blood cell transfusions to insulin injections.
