What type of anemia results from the destruction of red blood cells?

What type of anemia results from the destruction of red blood cells?

• A. Macrocytic anemia
• B. Hemolytic anemia
• C. Iron deficiency anemia
• D. Normocytic anemia

Answer: (B)

Hemolytic anemia specifically arises from the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to a reduction in their overall quantity within the bloodstream. This condition can stem from various causes, including autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, infections, or reactions to blood transfusions, among others. The significant loss of red blood cells results in a decrease in hemoglobin levels, leading to the symptoms commonly associated with anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath. In contrast, macrocytic anemia is generally characterized by larger than normal red blood cells and is often associated with conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency, rather than red blood cell destruction itself. Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to an inadequate supply of iron, affecting hemoglobin production, but does not directly involve the destruction of red blood cells. Normocytic anemia refers to a condition where red blood cells are of normal size but may be reduced in number due to various underlying factors, including chronic diseases, but again, does not specifically focus on the destruction of red blood cells. Thus, hemolytic anemia is the most accurate answer regarding anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.

Hemolytic anemia specifically arises from the premature destruction of red blood cells, leading to a reduction in their overall quantity within the bloodstream. This condition can stem from various causes, including autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, infections, or reactions to blood transfusions, among others. The significant loss of red blood cells results in a decrease in hemoglobin levels, leading to the symptoms commonly associated with anemia, such as fatigue and shortness of breath.

In contrast, macrocytic anemia is generally characterized by larger than normal red blood cells and is often associated with conditions such as vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency, rather than red blood cell destruction itself. Iron deficiency anemia occurs due to an inadequate supply of iron, affecting hemoglobin production, but does not directly involve the destruction of red blood cells. Normocytic anemia refers to a condition where red blood cells are of normal size but may be reduced in number due to various underlying factors, including chronic diseases, but again, does not specifically focus on the destruction of red blood cells.

Thus, hemolytic anemia is the most accurate answer regarding anemia caused by the destruction of red blood cells.