What does AIHA mean in LABORATORY
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is a type of anemia, which occurs when the body’s own immune system begins to attack and destroy the red blood cells in the body. This can cause the body to become deficient in red blood cells, leading to a multitude of symptoms that can range from mild to severe. Red blood cells are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body, so their destruction causes a decrease in energy and oxygen supply. AIHA is most commonly caused by an underlying autoimmune disorder or drug medication. Fortunately, AIHA can often be successfully treated with medications and lifestyle modifications.
AIHA meaning in Laboratory in Medical
AIHA mostly used in an acronym Laboratory in Category Medical that means Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia
Shorthand: AIHA,
Full Form: Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia
For more information of "Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia", see the section below.
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Causes
The exact cause of AIHA is still not fully understood; however, it most commonly occurs due to underlying autoimmune disorders or certain drug medications including antibiotics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. People who are genetically predisposed to developing AIHA are also more likely to suffer from it than those who don’t carry such a predisposition. Furthermore, certain infections or even exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals may also lead to AIHA.
Symptoms
AIHA can cause a wide variety of symptoms in those affected; common signs and symptoms include fatigue, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), pale skin, shortness of breath or dizziness upon standing up quickly (orthostatic hypotension), dark urine or difficulty urinating (due to RBCs being broken down quickly), cold intolerance, weakness or numbness in the extremities, rapid heart rate (tachycardia), chest pain from decreased oxygen supply and decreased appetite due heavy absences.
Diagnosis
If you suspect you may have AIHA your doctor will conduct a physical examination as well as perform various laboratory tests such as complete blood count (CBC) for hemoglobin level measurement and platelet count testing along with other tests if needed such as direct Coombs test; indirect Coombs test; serologic testing; reticulocyte count; peripheral smear analysis; bone marrow aspiration biopsy; immunofluorescence assay; flow cytometry test etc. These tests will help your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and recommend further treatment plans if necessary.
Treatment
Treatment for AIHA depends on what exactly is causing it as well as how severe it is. Mild cases may only require lifestyle modifications such as avoiding stressors or taking Iron supplements while moderate cases are usually treated using corticosteroids like Prednisone which help reduce destruction of RBCs by modulating inflammation response within the body or disease modifying agents like azathioprine which helps suppress abnormal immune responses within the body leading to increased production of healthy RBCs that last longer without getting destroyed at high rates by the immune system anymore. In cases where these treatments don’t work, physicians may recommend therapies such as plasmapheresis (a process involving separation out and removal from circulation any antibodies that are responsible for attacking RBCs). In rare cases where all else fails splenectomy (removal of spleen) might be recommended too but this would only happen after careful consideration by your physician.
Essential Questions and Answers on Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia in "MEDICAL»LABORATORY"
What is Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia?
Auto-immune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a type of blood disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. This destruction results in anemia, which can cause weakness, fatigue, and other serious symptoms.
What are the signs and symptoms of AIHA?
Common signs and symptoms of AIHA include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, enlarged spleen, rapid heart rate, jaundice (yellowing of the skin), dark urine, fever, chills and dizziness.
What causes AIHA?
In most cases the exact cause of AIHA is unknown. However, it may be triggered by a viral or bacterial infection or certain drugs or chemicals. It may also be caused by other immunological disorders such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
Who is at risk for developing AIHA?
Anyone can develop AIHA; however certain factors such as age (it’s more common in children), gender (more common in females), family history and certain medical conditions may increase your risk for developing this disorder.
How is AIHA diagnosed?
Diagnosis typically requires a combination of tests including a complete blood count (CBC), reticulocyte count test to measure your level of red blood cells that have just been released from the bone marrow into circulation, direct antiglobulin test to test for antibodies against your own red blood cells and indirect Coombs test to diagnose autoimmune hemolytic anemia.
How is AIHA Treatment?
The treatment options available for AIHA depend on its severity. Mild cases may be treated with oral medications such as steroids or other immunosuppressants to reduce inflammation and help the body produce new healthy red blood cells. Severe cases may require intravenous treatments such as chemotherapy or plasmapheresis which removes harmful antibodies from your bloodstream. In rare cases, a transfusion or stem cell transplant may be necessary to replace damaged red blood cells.
How can I manage my symptoms at home?
To reduce fatigue associated with AIHA you should take breaks throughout the day and rest when needed. Try to avoid strenuous activity if possible and make sure you get enough sleep each night. Eating small frequent meals throughout the day can also help boost energy levels while limiting caffeine intake can reduce feelings of dizziness.
Final Words:
Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is an uncommon but potentially life-threatening condition that requires prompt medical attention if suspected. It occurs when the body’s own immune system begins destroying red blood cells at faster rates than usual creating deficiencies within bloodstream thus leading to various symptoms ranging from mild fatigue to severe difficulty breathing and loss consciousness depending upon severity of condition itself. AIHA has multiple causes which vary from person-to-person but majority involve underlying autoimmune disorders whereas alternative therapies exist in order treat it successfully depending upon severity thereof leaving patient feeling better soon enough again!
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