Hemolysis of blood is a process accompanied by the destruction of erythrocytes (red blood cells) and the release of hemoglobin. Of course, this phenomenon is completely natural, since on average red blood cells live for about 110-130 days. However, in some cases, premature destruction of red blood cells can lead to various complications, and sometimes death.
Hemolysis of blood and its varieties
Today, it is customary to distinguish two main forms of pathological hemolysis:
- Intravascular breakdown of erythrocytes occurs directly in the cavity of the vessel and is accompanied by the release of free hemoglobin into the blood. Such a violation may be the result of some autoimmune diseases, the penetration of poisons and a number of toxins into the bloodstream.
- Intracellular hemolysis of blood is accompanied by the destruction of red blood cells in the tissues of various organs, in particular, the liver, spleen and bone marrow. ATin 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 diseases.
Blood hemolysis: causes
In fact, the breakdown of red cells can be the result of completely different factors, both internal and external.
- Quite often, some toxins are the cause, as well as drugs.
- 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 destruction of red blood cells.
- Risk factors include temperature fluctuations, exposure to ultrasound.
In any case, the cause is extremely important, as it determines the choice of treatment method.
Hemolysis of the 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 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 this disease, patients complain of a decreaseperformance, 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, jaundice can develop - the skin and sclera of the eyes acquire a characteristic yellowish tint.
Hemolysis of blood: treatment
As already mentioned, therapy directly depends on the form and causes of hemolysis. For example, in case of poisoning, it is necessary to remove the toxin from the body. The defeat of the poison of 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 surgery is done to remove the spleen.
