Hemolytic anemia is a disorder in which the red blood cells are destroyed faster than the bone marrow can produce them. The destruction of red blood cells is called hemolysis.
There are two types of hemolytic anemia, including the following:
– Intrinsic – it is the destruction of the red blood cells due to a defect within the red blood cells themselves. Intrinsic hemolytic anemias are often inherited, such as sickle cell anemia and thalassemia. These conditions produce red blood cells that do not live as long as normal red blood cells.
– Extrinsic – red blood cells are produced healthy but are later destroyed by becoming trapped in the spleen, destroyed by infection, or destroyed from drugs that can affect red blood cells. Extrinsic hemolytic anemia is also called autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Causes
– infections, such as hepatitis, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), typhoid fever, E. coli, or streptococcus
– medications, such as penicillin, antimalaria medications, sulfa medications, or acetaminophen
– leukemia or lymphoma
– autoimmune disorders, such as systemic lupus erythematous (SLE, or lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, or ulcerative colitis
– various tumors
Some types of extrinsic hemolytic anemia are temporary and resolve over several months. Other types can become chronic with periods of remissions and recurrence.
Symptoms
The following are the most common symptoms of hemolytic anemia. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently (Individualization).
Symptoms may include:
– abnormal paleness or lack of color of the skin
– jaundice, or yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth
– dark color to urine
– fever
– weakness
– dizziness
– confusion
– intolerance to physical activity
– enlargement of the spleen and liver
– increased heart rate (tachycardia)
– heart murmur
The symptoms of hemolytic anemia may resemble other blood conditions or medical problems too.
Diagnosis
Hemolytic anemia is usually discovered during a medical examination through a routine blood test. In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for hemolytic anemia may include additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures, particularly to check for an enlarged spleen or liver.
Treatment
Specific treatment for hemolytic anemia is determined on:
– age, overall health, and medical history
– extent of the disease
– cause of the disease
– tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
– expectations for the course of the disease
Hemolytic anemia is often difficult to treat.
Treatment may include:
– vitamin and mineral supplements
– change in diet
– medication
– treatment of the causative disease
– Splenectomy – surgery to remove the spleen.
Homoeopathic Management
1- Phosphorus
CLARKE – Characteristics-
Sweat is anxious, profuse, exhausting on slightest exertion; profuse at night; cold and clammy, smelling of sulphur or of garlic.
Phos. corresponds to yellow fever in many particulars; disorganization of the liver and blood with jaundice; hemorrhages.
It has caused acute fatty degeneration of the liver; and corresponds also to fatty degeneration of pancreas with gastric symptoms and oily stools, and fatty and amyloid degeneration of the kidneys.
2- Argentum nitricum
BOERICKE
Sensation of a sudden pinch. (Dudgeon).
* Destroys red blood corpuscles, producing anemia.
* Intolerance of heat.
3- Trinitrotoluenum
BOERICKE
The destructive action of T.N.T. on the red blood corpuscles is responsible for the anemia and the jaundice with their secondary symptoms.
The hemoglobin is changed so it cannot act satisfactorily as an oxygen carrier and as a result we have breathlessness, dizziness, headache, faintness, palpitation, undue fatigue, muscle cramps and cyanosis; also drowsiness, depression and insomnia.
Dr. Rajneesh Kumar Sharma
Homoeo Cure & Research Centre P. Ltd.
N.H. 74, Moradabad Road,
Kashipur- Zip- 244713
Uttaranchal (INDIA)
Ph. 05947- 260327, 274338, 277418, 275535
Fax – 91 5947 274338, Cell – 98 370 48594