What are the symptoms of hemolysis?
Dec 12, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Li Feng
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, symptoms during a hemolytic episode mainly include jaundice, manifestations related to anemia, hemoglobinuria, abdominal and back pain, fever, etc. The severity of hemolytic symptoms is related to the type of hemolysis and the speed of onset. When managing such episodes, it is important to observe relevant contraindications and precautions, promptly identify the underlying cause, and implement targeted interventions to ensure health and safety.
Under normal circumstances, symptoms during a hemolytic episode mainly include jaundice, manifestations related to anemia, hemoglobinuria, abdominal and back pain, fever, etc. The details are as follows:
1. Jaundice: This is one of the typical signs of hemolysis, characterized by yellowing of the skin and sclera, with some individuals also experiencing skin itching. It occurs due to excessive destruction of red blood cells producing large amounts of bilirubin, exceeding the liver's metabolic capacity, leading to bilirubin accumulation in the body. The severity of jaundice is often correlated with the rate of hemolysis.
2. Anemia-related manifestations: Excessive destruction of red blood cells leads to anemia, causing symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, pallor, palpitations, and shortness of breath. These symptoms may worsen with physical activity, and in severe cases, fainting or a significant decline in physical performance may occur.
3. Hemoglobinuria: The urine color changes, appearing dark tea-colored, soy sauce-like, or resembling red wine. This results from hemoglobin released after red blood cell destruction entering the urine and is typically more pronounced during acute hemolytic episodes.
4. Abdominal and back pain: Some patients may experience cramping abdominal pain or dull back pain, varying in intensity. These pains are often associated with substances produced during red blood cell destruction stimulating internal organs or vascular spasms, and may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting during acute hemolysis.
5. Fever: Fever may occur during a hemolytic episode, usually ranging from low-grade to moderate; a few patients with acute hemolysis may develop high fever. The fever is related to pyrogenic substances released during red blood cell destruction and the body's immune response.
The severity of hemolytic symptoms varies depending on the type and speed of hemolysis. Appropriate precautions and contraindications should be observed during management, and the underlying cause should be promptly identified and treated with targeted interventions to ensure health and safety.
