Living with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type
The most common form of autoimmune hemolytic anemia, in which antibodies destroy red blood cells at normal body temperature.
Understanding Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type
The destruction (hemolysis) mainly happens in the spleen, so a mildly enlarged spleen is common. Symptoms are related to anemia. In severe disease, fever, chest pain, fainting, or heart failure may occur. It can occur at any time in life.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Tiredness (fatigue)
- Shortness of breath with activity
- Pale skin
- Palpitations
- Headache and joint pain
- 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 may keep lists of experts for this condition.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- Blood and bone marrow specialists (hematologists)
- Expert care
- Expert lists: Autoimmune Association
- 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 autoantibodies attach to and destroy red blood cells at temperatures equal to or above normal body temperature.
Also known as: aiha - warm autoimmune hemolytic anemia; hemolytic anemia due to warm antibody; waha; waiha; warm aiha; warm antibody hemolytic anemia
Patient organizations
- Autoimmune AssociationAutoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type · United States
- wAIHA WarriorsAutoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type.
Explore research for Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type
Explore actively recruiting Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper
I can help you find recruiting Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.
Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
Get Signals for Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type
Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.
Create a living journal that talks back
HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Autoimmune hemolytic anemia, warm type experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.
Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.