Living with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
A condition in which the immune system attacks red blood cells, leading to anemia.
Understanding Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
This lowers the number of red blood cells and causes hemolytic anemia. AIHA can have no known cause (idiopathic) or result from an underlying disease or a medication. It can develop slowly or suddenly, and at any age.
Signs & symptoms
GARD says symptoms may include:
- Unusual weakness and fatigue
- Fast heartbeat
- Trouble breathing
- Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
- Dark urine
- Enlarged spleen
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include blood and bone marrow specialists.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
- 4Connect with expert centers
Autoimmune Association, Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation and Global Autoimmune Institute may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association, Cold Agglutinin Disease Foundation, Global Autoimmune Institute
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with Autoimmune Association and other patient organizations
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
GARD says AIHA occurs when the immune system makes antibodies that attack red blood cells. It can be primary (no known cause) or result from an underlying disease or medication.
Also known as: acquired autoimmune hemolytic anemia; aha; aiha; anemia, hemolytic, acquired autoimmune; autoimmune haemolytic anaemia; autoimmune haemolytic anemia
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationAutoimmune hemolytic anemia · United States
- Cold Agglutinin Disease FoundationAutoimmune hemolytic anemia · United States
- Global Autoimmune InstituteAutoimmune hemolytic anemia · United States
- wAIHA WarriorsAutoimmune hemolytic anemia · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
Explore research for Autoimmune hemolytic anemia
Explore actively recruiting Autoimmune hemolytic anemia studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
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- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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