A Simple Guide to Thalassemia Treatment and Related Diseases

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disFree Downloads that affect the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People with thalassemia have a mutation in one or more of the genes that control the production of hemoglobin. This mutation can lead to a shortage of red blood cells, which can cause a variety of health problems.

Types of Thalassemia

There are two main types of thalassemia:

A Simple Guide to Thalassemia, Treatment and Related Diseases (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

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Language	:	English
File size	:	411 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	134 pages
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* Alpha-thalassemia: This type of thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or more of the genes that control the production of alpha-globin. Alpha-globin is one of the two types of globin chains that make up hemoglobin. Alpha-thalassemia can range in severity from mild to severe. * Beta-thalassemia: This type of thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or more of the genes that control the production of beta-globin. Beta-globin is the other type of globin chain that makes up hemoglobin. Beta-thalassemia can also range in severity from mild to severe.

Symptoms of Thalassemia

The symptoms of thalassemia vary depending on the severity of the disFree Download. People with mild thalassemia may not have any symptoms at all. People with moderate to severe thalassemia may experience:

* Fatigue * Weakness * Pale skin * Shortness of breath * Dizziness * Lightheadedness * Heart palpitations * Enlarged spleen * Jaundice * Bone deformities * Growth retardation

Diagnosis of Thalassemia

Thalassemia can be diagnosed with a blood test. The blood test will measure the levels of hemoglobin and other blood cells. A bone marrow biopsy may also be needed to confirm the diagnosis.

Treatment of Thalassemia

The treatment for thalassemia depends on the severity of the disFree Download. People with mild thalassemia may not need any treatment. People with moderate to severe thalassemia may need to receive blood transfusions. Blood transfusions can help to increase the number of red blood cells in the body and reduce symptoms.

In some cases, people with thalassemia may need to undergo a bone marrow transplant. A bone marrow transplant can replace the damaged bone marrow with healthy bone marrow. Bone marrow transplants can be curative for thalassemia.

Related Diseases

Thalassemia is related to a number of other blood disFree Downloads, including sickle cell anemia and hemophilia.

* Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disFree Download that causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped. Sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood vessels and cause pain, tissue damage, and organ failure. * Hemophilia is a genetic blood disFree Download that causes the blood to clot slowly. People with hemophilia are at risk for excessive bleeding, even from minor injuries.

Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disFree Downloads that can range in severity from mild to severe. The symptoms of thalassemia vary depending on the severity of the disFree Download. Treatment for thalassemia depends on the severity of the disFree Download and may include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, or other treatments.

If you have any of the symptoms of thalassemia, it is important to see your doctor for a diagnosis. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

A Simple Guide to Thalassemia, Treatment and Related Diseases (A Simple Guide to Medical Conditions)

by Kenneth Kee

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	411 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	134 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE