Thalassemia is a form of blood disorder that is characterized by a lack of haemoglobin in the blood. Haemoglobin is the protein molecule in your red blood cells that allows oxygen to circulate throughout the body.
When this process is altered, it leads to anaemia. Anaemia is when the body doesn't produce healthy red blood cells. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder which can be inherited from a person's parents.
The type of thalassemia may depend on numbers of gene mutations you inherit from your parents. But the two main types are the Beta-thalassemia and Alpha-thalassemia. The Beta-thalassemia occurs when the body cannot produce beta globin, which comprises two genes, which are involved in making the beta haemoglobin chain. On the other side, Alpha-thalassemia also occurs when the body fails to produce alpha globin, which comprises four genes, which are involved in making alpha haemoglobin chains
The Signs and Symptoms of thalassemia may differ depending on the type or severity of thalassemia. Some common symptoms are:
What causes thalassemia is when there is a defect in one of the genes that are responsible for haemoglobin production. If one of your parents is a carrier for thalassemia, then you have the tendency of developing what is called thalassemia minor. But if both of your parents are a carrier of thalassemia, then you have a greater chance of having a serious form of thalassemia
Treatment of thalassemia depends on the type or severity of it. Some of the treatment include:
In most situation, Thalassemia cannot be prevented. It is advisable to visit a genetic counsellor or go through genetic testing to be sure you are not suffering from thalassemia if you're carrying a thalassemia gene.
When this process is altered, it leads to anaemia. Anaemia is when the body doesn't produce healthy red blood cells. Thalassemia is a genetic disorder which can be inherited from a person's parents.
Types of Thalassemia
The type of thalassemia may depend on numbers of gene mutations you inherit from your parents. But the two main types are the Beta-thalassemia and Alpha-thalassemia. The Beta-thalassemia occurs when the body cannot produce beta globin, which comprises two genes, which are involved in making the beta haemoglobin chain. On the other side, Alpha-thalassemia also occurs when the body fails to produce alpha globin, which comprises four genes, which are involved in making alpha haemoglobin chains
Signs and Symptoms
The Signs and Symptoms of thalassemia may differ depending on the type or severity of thalassemia. Some common symptoms are:
- Dark Urine
- Yellow and pale skin
- Excessive tiredness and fatigue ( as a result of lack of haemoglobin)
- Leg cramps
- Delayed growths
What Causes Thalassemia
What causes thalassemia is when there is a defect in one of the genes that are responsible for haemoglobin production. If one of your parents is a carrier for thalassemia, then you have the tendency of developing what is called thalassemia minor. But if both of your parents are a carrier of thalassemia, then you have a greater chance of having a serious form of thalassemia
Treatment
Treatment of thalassemia depends on the type or severity of it. Some of the treatment include:
- Medications and Supplements.
- Bone marrow transplant.
- Blood transfusions.
- Surgery to remove the spleen or gallbladder.
Can it be prevented?
In most situation, Thalassemia cannot be prevented. It is advisable to visit a genetic counsellor or go through genetic testing to be sure you are not suffering from thalassemia if you're carrying a thalassemia gene.
Thalassemia: Types, Causes, Symptoms and Treatment
Reviewed by Ridwan
on
August 30, 2018
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Reviewed by Ridwan
on
August 30, 2018
Rating:
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