K.N.O.W. Home Health - HEMOLYTIC ANEMIA

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🩸 Patient Education: Hemolytic Anemia

A simple guide for patients and caregivers

❓ What Is Hemolytic Anemia?

Hemolytic anemia happens when your red blood cells are being destroyed too early in your body. Your body normally makes red blood cells in your bone marrow, and they last about 120 days. But in hemolytic anemia, these cells break down too soon — before your body can replace them.

Red blood cells are important because they carry oxygen to all parts of your body. Without enough red blood cells, your body doesn’t get the oxygen it needs.

🩺 Signs and Symptoms

You may not feel sick at first, but hemolytic anemia can cause:

Feeling very tired or weak
Pale or yellow skin (jaundice)
Dark-colored urine
Shortness of breath
Faster heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Fever or chills (in some cases)
Pain in the belly or back

⚠️ Causes of Hemolytic Anemia

There are different reasons this can happen. Some people are born with it (inherited), and others develop it later (acquired). Causes include:

Autoimmune diseases – when your body attacks its own red blood cells
Infections – like hepatitis or certain viruses
Certain medicines – such as antibiotics or pain relievers
Blood transfusion reaction – when your body reacts to someone else’s blood
Inherited conditions – like sickle cell anemia or thalassemia
Toxins – from snake bites, chemicals, or infections

📞 When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your nurse or doctor if you notice:

Feeling more tired or weak than usual
Pale skin or yellowing in your eyes or face
Dark-colored urine
Dizziness or fast heartbeat
Mild shortness of breath
Ongoing fever or chills
You just started a new medication and don’t feel well

🚨 When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER right away if you:

Have chest pain or trouble breathing
Feel like you might pass out or are very dizzy
Have a very fast or irregular heartbeat
Your urine is very dark or reddish suddenly
You have fever, chills, and feel very unwell
Are in severe pain in your belly, chest, or back

Let ER staff know you have hemolytic anemia so they can treat you quickly.

✅ How to Stay Safe and Out of the Hospital

Take your medications exactly as prescribed
Avoid infections – wash hands often, avoid sick people
Eat a healthy diet with iron, folate, and vitamins
Rest when you need to — don’t push yourself
Keep all doctor appointments and get your labs checked
Tell doctors or nurses about all the medicines you're taking
Wear a medical alert bracelet if recommended
Stay away from known triggers, like certain medications or foods, if your doctor has told you to

🧠 Final Thoughts

Hemolytic anemia can be serious, but with good care, you can manage it. Pay attention to how you feel, follow your treatment plan, and don’t be afraid to speak up if something feels wrong.

Always know the difference between when to call your nurse and when to go straight to the emergency room.

Please indicate if the following statements are True or False. If False, please correct the Statement.

True or False. Hemolytic anemia happens when red blood cells live longer than they should.
True or False. Your body needs red blood cells to carry oxygen to your organs.
True or False. A person with hemolytic anemia may feel very tired or weak.
True or False. Jaundice means your skin or eyes may look yellow.
True or False. Dark-colored urine can be a sign of hemolytic anemia.
True or False. A slow heartbeat is common in people with hemolytic anemia.
True or False. Autoimmune diseases can cause your body to destroy its own red blood cells.
True or False. Feeling dizzy or lightheaded is not related to anemia.
True or False. Some people are born with types of hemolytic anemia.
True or False. Certain medications can lead to hemolytic anemia.
True or False. You should go to the ER if you have chest pain and shortness of breath.
True or False. Pain in your belly or back can be a sign of hemolytic anemia.
True or False. It is safe to stop taking your medicine if you feel better.
True or False. You should call your home health nurse if your skin looks yellow or your urine is dark.
True or False. A healthy diet with iron and vitamins can help manage hemolytic anemia.
True or False. Hemolytic anemia is always caused by viruses.
True or False. Wearing a medical alert bracelet can help in emergencies.
True or False. Getting regular lab tests is part of managing this condition.
True or False. You should avoid people who are sick to prevent infections.
True or False. With good care, many people with hemolytic anemia can stay out of the hospital.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Can you tell me what your last hemoglobin level was, and what your doctor explained about how it relates to your anemia?

What symptoms do you notice when your anemia is getting worse, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or increased fatigue?

If you suddenly felt short of breath, very weak, or had chest pain, what would you do and who would you contact right away?

What steps are you taking at home to avoid triggers that may worsen your hemolytic anemia, such as certain medications, infections, or foods (if you have G6PD deficiency)?

ANSWER KEY

False — In hemolytic anemia, red blood cells are destroyed too early, not living longer than normal.
True — Red blood cells carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
True — Fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of not having enough red blood cells.
True — Jaundice causes yellowing of the skin and eyes due to broken-down red blood cells.
True — When red blood cells break down quickly, they can cause the urine to appear dark.
False — Hemolytic anemia often causes a fast heartbeat as the heart tries to move more oxygen.
True — Autoimmune diseases can cause the immune system to attack and destroy red blood cells.
False — Dizziness and lightheadedness are common signs of anemia due to low oxygen in the brain.
True — Some forms of hemolytic anemia, like sickle cell disease, are inherited from family.
True — Certain drugs, like some antibiotics or pain relievers, can trigger hemolytic anemia in some people.
True — Chest pain and shortness of breath can be serious signs that require emergency care.
True — Some people with hemolytic anemia may feel pain in the belly or lower back due to the spleen or liver being affected.
False — You should never stop taking medication without talking to your doctor, even if you feel better.
True — Yellow skin (jaundice) or dark urine may mean your red blood cells are being destroyed and should be reported.
True — Eating healthy foods with iron, folate, and vitamins can support your body in making more red blood cells.
False — Hemolytic anemia can be caused by many things, not just viruses — like autoimmune problems, medications, or inherited diseases.
True — A medical alert bracelet can help emergency staff know about your condition right away.
True — Regular blood tests are important to check how your anemia is doing and how your body is responding to treatment.
True — If your immune system is affected, it’s important to avoid infections that could make you sicker.
True — With the right care, people with hemolytic anemia can manage their condition and avoid hospital stays.