Thalassemia is a hereditary blood disorder caused by a lower level of hemoglobin and the number of red blood pellets than normal, which causes anemia symptoms such as stress, fatigue, etc., as a result of hemoglobin deficiency, a substance found in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen to cells.
Reasons
As a result of genetic changes in the DNA of hemoglobin-forming cells, this mutation is genetically transmitted from parents to children. Genetic mutations lead to low hemoglobin levels, and high red blood cell damage (which occurs in thalassemia patients) and cause symptoms of anemia.
Symptoms
Thalassemia's symptoms include: Slow growth in children
- Pale or yellowing skin
- Facial bone abnormalities
- Bloated abdomen
- Dark Urine
Thalassemia is classified according to intensity
1- Minor: do not cause any symptoms or be mild
2- Middle threesome: causes symptoms ranging from light to severe
3- severe thalassemia: causes severe symptoms requiring treatment
Complications
- Increased risk of infection with infectious diseases. This happens especially if the infected people have had a spleen removal.
- Slow growth rate. Anaemia leads to slow child development and delayed puberty
- Osteoporosis. This leads to osteoporosis and fragility, increasing the chances of bone fractures
- Spleen enlargement: Thalassemia is usually accompanied by the destruction of a large number of red blood cells. Which makes the spleen swell and makes it harder to work than normal.
Prevention and treatment
Thalassemia cannot be prevented. If the person has thalassemia or carries the gene, a specialized doctor should be consulted for advice if you want to have a baby.
Mild and moderate cases of thalassemia do not need to undergo treatment
In severe cases, treatments may include:
- Folic Acid Supplements
- Stem cell transplantation
- Blood transfusion or spleen removal
When to visit a doctor?
If you notice any indicators or thalassemia symptoms in your child.
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