Autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) is a rare autoimmune blood disorder that occurs when the body mistakenly attacks red blood cells. Like other autoimmune disorders, AIHA results when your immune system makes autoantibodies (antibodies that attack your cells).

In the case of AIHA, red blood cells are destroyed through a process called hemolysis. This can lead to anemia — a low amount of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.

Fortunately, AIHA can be managed, but it’s potentially fatal if not treated. Continue reading to learn about the common symptoms of AIHA.

What Are the Symptoms of AIHA?

There are two main classifications of AIHA: warm AIHA and cold AIHA. And there are two types of cold AIHA: cold agglutinin disease and paroxysmal cold hemoglobinuria.

AIHA often occurs without an obvious underlying condition. (This is called idiopathic AIHA or primary AIHA.) When AIHA is connected to other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases (like lupus), medications, or underlying blood cancers (such as leukemia or lymphoma), the disease is called secondary AIHA.

General AIHA Symptoms

Although some people have “silent” AIHA and are asymptomatic, the disease can cause a wide range of symptoms. Many symptoms occur because people with AIHA do not have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their bodies.

General symptoms of AIHA are similar to those of anemia, including:

• Fatigue
• Lethargy (decreased alertness)
• Weakness or dizziness
• Irregular or rapid heartbeat
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Pale skin
• Dark urine
• Fainting
• Confusion

Pain Symptoms

Some people with AIHA may experience more painful symptoms, including:

• Pain in fingers or toes
• Discomfort swallowing cold liquid
• Chest pain
• Headache
• Muscle soreness

Skin Signs

Skin signs of AIHA may be present in people with more severe cases. These include:

• Pale skin
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes)
• Bluish or reddish fingers, toes, ankles, or wrists
• Dark purple-to-gray fingertips, nose, or ears
• Sweating
• Necrosis (areas of dying skin)

Common Warm AIHA Symptoms

Symptoms may be different for people who have warm AIHA than for those with cold AIHA. Common warm AIHA symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Jaundice
• Heart palpitations

Common Cold AIHA Symptoms and Signs

People with cold AIHA may have the following symptoms:

• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Jaundice
• Chest pain
• Pain in the backs of the legs
• Raynaud’s phenomenon, which is often caused by exposure to cold
• Heart problems (irregular heart rhythm or heart failure)

Getting Help for Symptoms of AIHA

If you have symptoms associated with anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, jaundice, or shortness of breath, make sure you schedule an appointment with your health care provider. Your doctor may want to run tests to determine the cause of your symptoms. Because many symptoms of AIHA are general and may be associated with a wide range of other health conditions, blood tests will help your physician rule out other possible causes.

Your AIHA symptoms can determine the specific treatments you are offered. Many therapeutic options are available that can help reduce symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Read more about treatments for AIHA.

You Are Not Alone With AIHA

On myAIHAteam, you’ll meet other people with AIHA, as well as their loved ones. Here, members who understand life with AIHA come together to share support, advice, and stories from their daily lives.

Which symptoms of AIHA do you have? Can you suggest any tips for managing them? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below or by posting on your Activities page.