Thalassemia- a lesser known but deadly disease

 Thalassemia is a group of inherited blood disorders defined by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, which destroys red blood cells and causes anemia. The condition impairs the body's ability to properly produce hemoglobin, which is essential for transporting oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

 In India, nearly 10,000 children are born with thalassemia. May 8th of every year is celebrated as World Thalassemia Day to educate people and create awareness for those who are unknowingly suffering.

Thalassemia can be of two types: 

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Alpha thalassemia happens when changes are made to the HBA1 and HBA2 genes, which are linked to the alpha globin protein. It's more common in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.

Beta thalassemia happens when the HBB gene, which is connected to the beta globin protein, is altered. Mediterranean nations have a higher prevalence of it. There is not much awareness of these genetic diseases.

How to identify and treat 

Thalassemia can be identified by noticing pale yellow skin or eyes, unusual swelling of the abdomen area, fatigue, or slow growth. A kid can inherit thalassemia from their parents and might require blood transfusions every 2 weeks. Blood transfusions are a way to deal with severe or mild thalassemia. In this treatment, your body gets new red blood cells with healthy hemoglobin. A needle is inserted in your blood vessels to deliver healthy blood.The frequency of blood transfusions depends on the severity of the disease.

Women and pregnancy

Women with thalassemia might also experience anemia during the menstrual cycle, and this requires them to take regular checkups. During pregnancy, you will have routine examinations to keep an eye on your hemoglobin levels, general health, and the developing fetus. This might include regular visits to the doctor. Patients getting blood transfusions regularly might face the issue of iron overload, and to control this, the doctor will have to look out for iron levels. Many people face the question of whether their child will inherit this disease or not. Reports suggest that if the parents are thalassemia minors, the child might acquire thalassemia major at birth.

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There are still many questions that need to be answered, but for that, we require awareness and quick action relating to this disease.