D58: Other hereditary haemolytic anaemias

D58.8: Other specified hereditary haemolytic anaemias

Blood is made up of a liquid part and different blood cells, among other things. The blood cells include the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets. The red blood cells carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body.

There are many reasons why the red blood cells are broken down too early. For example, the red blood cells may not be forming correctly. These changed red blood cells are being broken down earlier than usual. It may also be that the red blood cells are damaged and for that reason being broken down too early.

If a large amount of red blood cells are broken down too early, there may then be too few of them in the blood. The body is then unable to transport as much oxygen. This can make you exhausted more quickly or get breathless.

The by-products from red blood cells can accumulate in certain parts of the body. resulting in the eyes or skin, for example, turning yellow in color. There may be other symptoms, too. But you may have no symptoms, or just mild symptoms.

The disorder is hereditary. Other family members can also be affected.