A diagnosis of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) starts with a physical examination, medical history, and routine blood work.

Getting a Diagnosis 

Your health care provider will ask you questions about your health, including your symptoms, other health conditions you may have, and any recent medical procedures. The next step is a physical examination to detect possible signs of AIHA, such as an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly).

Participating in Lab Tests

Your doctor will order laboratory tests, including a routine blood test called a complete blood count (CBC). If the CBC reveals anemia, the doctor may order a more specific test called a direct antiglobulin test (DAT) that can pinpoint a diagnosis of AIHA.

How AIHA affects an individual’s health depends on the severity of the anemia and whether or not the person has an underlying health condition. AIHA may develop suddenly and dramatically, but often it starts slowly and gradually worsens over time.

Signs & Symptoms of AIHA

Some people with AIHA may feel fine and notice no symptoms at all. But for many, symptoms can have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. Up to 90% of people with AIHA experience fatigue, shortness of breath, and headaches.

Most Common Symptoms of AIHA

• Fatigue

• Weakness

• Shortness of Breath (dyspnea)

• Headache

• Dizziness

• Pale Appearance

• Least Common

• Jaundice (Yellowing of the skin & whites of the eyes)

• Dark Urine

• Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly)

• Abdominal Fullness (or other discomforts due to enlarged spleen)

• Fever

• Joint Pain

• Enlarged Liver (Hepatomegaly)

More Serious Complications of AIHA 

• loss of consciousness

• chest pain

• very rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)

• heart failure

Is AIHA Life Threatening? 

AIHA can be serious and in a small number of cases can be fatal. Primary AIHA is more likely than secondary AIHA to be severe and life-threatening. Primary AIHA is also more likely than secondary to be asymptomatic (causing no noticeable symptoms).

Fatigue: A Major Symptom of AIHA

One of the most common symptoms of AIHA is fatigue. Fatigue is a debilitating symptom that can sap physical energy and reduce mental clarity and alertness.

Fatigue may be physical and psychological. Physical fatigue causes feelings of low energy, tiredness, lethargy, and lack of motivation. Psychological fatigue can cause a low or depressed mood and make it difficult for a person to think clearly or concentrate. Both physical and psychological fatigue can significantly affect the quality of life and make it hard to carry out activities of daily living.

Some of the ways fatigue may show up in your life include:

• Psychological

• Difficulty Concentrating

• Tired After Rest

• Lack of Motivation

• Depression

• Physical

• Physical Exhaustion

• Weakness

• Need To Take Naps

• Unable or Need Help to Complete Tasks

Using The FACIT – Fatigue Scale to Assess the Impact of Fatigue

The FACIT–Fatigue Scale is a 13-item questionnaire designed to assess the impact of fatigue on the lives of people with chronic illnesses. In addition to asking about your symptoms, the questionnaire includes questions about your ability to function on a day-to-day basis and perform basic activities of daily living.

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