Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia (AIHA) is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and destroys its own red blood cells. This leads to a decrease in the number of red blood cells, which can cause symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and pale skin. The destruction of these cells can occur either through warm or cold mechanisms, depending on the temperature at which the antibodies are active.
Diagnosis typically involves blood tests to check for anemia and the presence of antibodies against red blood cells. Treatment options may include medications like corticosteroids to reduce the immune response, and in severe cases, procedures such as splenectomy may be considered to remove the spleen, which plays a role in red blood cell destruction.