Blood hemolysis is a process accompanied by the destruction of red blood cells (red blood cells) and the release of hemoglobin. Of course, this phenomenon is completely natural, since on average red blood cells live about 110-130 days. However, in some cases, premature destruction of red blood cells can lead to various complications, and sometimes even death.
Hemolysis of blood and its varieties
To date, it is customary to distinguish two main forms of pathological hemolysis:
- The intravascular breakdown of red blood cells occurs directly in the cavity of the vessel and is accompanied by the release of free hemoglobin into the blood. Such a violation can be the result of some autoimmune diseases, the penetration of poisons into the blood and a number of toxins.
- Intracellular blood hemolysis is accompanied by the destruction of red blood cells in the tissues of various organs, in particular, the liver, spleen and bone marrow. In most cases, this is a natural mechanism for the disposal of old cells. An increased level of decay may indicate the presence of some serious illnesses.
Blood hemolysis: causes
In fact, the decay of red cells can be the result of exposure to completely different factors, both internal and external environment.
- Quite often, the cause is some toxins, as well as medications.
- There is also biological hemolysis, which is caused by the poison of insects and some other animals.
- As already mentioned, pathology can occur against the background of some serious diseases of the body, including autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system attacks its own blood cells.
- Transfusion of inappropriate blood can also cause the destruction of red blood cells.
- Risk factors include temperature fluctuations, exposure to ultrasound.
In any case, the reason is extremely important, since the choice of treatment method depends on it.
Hemolysis of blood and its symptoms
In fact, pathological hemolysis is an extremely dangerous condition. Its symptoms directly depend on the speed and degree of destruction of red blood cells. And do not forget that it is the red blood cells that are responsible for gas exchange between tissues - with a decrease in their number, oxygen starvation occurs .
Often, against the background of hemolysis, a special, rapidly progressive form of anemia develops. With such a disease, patients complain of decreased performance, constant weakness, dizziness, drowsiness, loss of appetite. If the destruction of red blood cells occurs inside the organs, then the disease is accompanied by an increase in the liver and spleen, periodic pain in the right hypochondrium. In more severe cases, the development of jaundice can be observed - the skin and sclera of the eyes acquire a characteristic yellowish tint.
Blood hemolysis: treatment
As already mentioned, therapy depends on the form and causes of hemolysis. For example, in case of poisoning, it is necessary to remove the toxin from the body. Poisoning an animal requires the introduction of an antidote. In some cases, a blood transfusion is performed, but only from the most suitable donor. Of course, the patient is prescribed bed rest and a sparing diet. Sometimes an operation is performed to remove the spleen.