What is Thalassemia? 

It is a disease that goes from generation to generation such that from parents to children through gene transfer. Let’s discuss hemoglobin to understand thalassemia

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Hemoglobin is a protein in RBCs (red blood cells). RBCs circulate oxygen all around our bodies. Oxygen provides power to cells and that gives the body energy.

But, if the hemoglobin is not enough RBCs don’t work correctly they remain for a shorter period so, a limited number of RBCs travel in the bloodstream.

If the thalassemia is of mild type patient might not require any type of treatment. But other types require treatments to get rid of it.

What are the symptoms of Thalassemia?

If a person has thalassemia he might face the followings:

Weakness or tiredness.

The color of the skin might become pale or yellowish.

Defected growth.

The dark color of urine.

Headache.

Coldness.

Difficulty while breathing.

Abnormal (deformities, wide and brittle) growth of bones.

What are the causes of Thalassemia?

It is a genetic disorder. It occurs when you receive mutated genes from your parents which can change your hemoglobin. Patients have it since their birth

If both your parents are affected by thalassemia, there is an increased chance of it that you might adopt it. If you receive two or more abnormal genes from your parents you might develop mild to severe thalassemia. However mostly it depends upon which type of protein present in your body is affected

What are the Treatments for Thalassemia?

Following are the simple treatments that can be done by anyone:

Take a healthy diet that will keep you strong and energetic.

Keep yourself away from sick persons.

Wash your hands frequently.

Ask your doctor for medications.

Don’t use iron pills.

What are the types of Thalassemia?

It is of two types:

Alpha Thalassemia?

The patient faces a reduction in the amount of hemoglobin that restricts enough oxygen from reaching tissues. The patient might also have a lack of RBCs which causes pale skin, weakness, tiredness, or might be serious complications.

 

Beta Thalassemia

It is a blood disorder that limits the production of hemoglobin Patient’s low hemoglobin results in a lack of oxygen in parts of the body. Patients also have limited RBCs which results in pale skin, weakness, or tiredness. But people with Beta thalassemia might also develop abnormal blood clots.