Hemolysis: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Medically reviewed by Harsha Moole, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor treats Hemolysis?
A hematologist, a doctor who treats blood diseases, usually treats hemolysis, the early breakdown of red blood cells, and the anemia it can cause. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What is hemolysis?
Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells. Red blood cells normally live for 110 to 120 days, and then they naturally break down. The spleen mostly removes them from the blood. Some diseases and processes cause red blood cells to break down too soon. If the red blood cell count becomes abnormally low, it is called hemolytic anemia.
Hemolytic anemia is a blood condition that occurs when red blood cells are destroyed faster than they can be replaced. It can develop quickly or slowly, and it can be mild or serious.
Symptoms
You may not have symptoms if the anemia is mild. If the problem develops slowly, the first symptoms may be:
- Feeling weak or tired more often than usual, or with exercise.
- Feeling that your heart is pounding or racing.
- Headaches.
- Problems concentrating or thinking.
If the anemia gets worse, symptoms may include lightheadedness when you stand up and pale skin. An enlarged spleen can cause pain in the upper left part of the belly.
Causes and who gets it
Certain conditions can make red blood cells break down too fast or too often. These include the following.
- An autoimmune problem, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks your own red blood cells.
- Inherited blood conditions such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia.
- Infections.
- Exposure to certain chemicals, medicines, and toxins.
- Faulty, damaged, or artificial heart valves.
- Receiving donor blood with a blood type that does not match yours.
How doctors diagnose it
To diagnose hemolytic anemia, your doctor will do a physical exam and order blood tests. A complete blood count can help diagnose anemia and give hints about its type and cause. Other tests can identify the type of hemolytic anemia, such as a reticulocyte count and a Coombs test. Levels of haptoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) can also be checked. Your doctor can explain what each test shows. More tests may include a urine test, a bone marrow test, or genetic tests.
Treatment
Treatment depends on the type and cause of the hemolytic anemia. Mild hemolytic anemia may cause no symptoms and may need no treatment. For others, it can often be treated or managed. Treatments may include the following.
- A blood transfusion in an emergency.
- Medicines that suppress the immune system, when the cause is immune.
- Extra folic acid and iron supplements, when blood cells are being destroyed at a fast pace.
- Surgery to remove the spleen, which is needed in rare cases.
- Blood and bone marrow transplants.
If medicines or another health condition cause the problem, your doctor may change your treatment to manage or stop it. Do not stop or change a medicine on your own. Follow your doctor's instructions.
When to see a doctor
Contact your health care provider if you develop symptoms of hemolytic anemia. Serious hemolytic anemia that is not treated or managed can cause irregular heart rhythms, a larger heart, and heart failure. Severe anemia can make heart disease or lung disease worse.
Call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or a sudden change in mental state, such as confusion. Also call 911 for fainting or loss of consciousness.
How a direct primary care or concierge doctor fits in
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. Such a doctor can do an evaluation, order or review blood tests, and coordinate your care with a hematologist or other specialists.
Common questions
Is hemolysis the same as hemolytic anemia?
No, they are not the same. Hemolysis is the breakdown of red blood cells, which happens naturally at the end of their life. It is called hemolytic anemia when the red blood cell count becomes abnormally low.
Is hemolysis serious?
It can be, depending on how severe the anemia gets. Hemolytic anemia can be mild or serious. Serious hemolytic anemia that is not treated or managed can cause irregular heart rhythms, a larger heart, and heart failure.
What makes red blood cells break down too soon?
Several things can make red blood cells break down too soon, including immune reactions, infections, medicines, and toxins and poisons. Defects in the shape or metabolism of red blood cells can also cause it.
Can hemolytic anemia be treated?
Yes, it can often be treated or managed. The treatment depends on the type and cause of the hemolytic anemia. Mild cases may need no treatment.
Sources
- National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute - Hemolytic Anemia
- MedlinePlus - Hemolysis
- MedlinePlus - Hemolytic anemia
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
