D59: Acquired haemolytic anaemia

D59.6: Haemoglobinuria due to haemolysis from other external causes

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. Red blood cells contain the red hemoglobin that gives blood its color. This pigment is important for carrying oxygen in the blood.

Sometimes the red blood cells are broken down too early, for example with heavy physical exertion or burns. The red blood cells may also be broken down too early with certain diseases of the immune system.

You may excrete blood or have urine that has turned reddish. If lots of red blood cells are broken down too soon, then you may not have enough haemoglobin in the body. If you don’t have enough haemoglobin, then the body can no longer transport as much oxygen. This can mean, for example, that you’re exhausted more quickly or you have difficulty breathing. If very many red blood cells are broken down at once, then you can be seriously ill.