What is thalassemia?

What is thalassemia?

Thalassemia

Thalassemia or anemia of the Mediterranean Basin or as it is called in English Thalassemia , Is a genetic disease that affects the red blood cells mainly, as it is widespread in the Mediterranean basin, so called the Mediterranean basin, and occurs mainly because of a disorder in the genes that lead to anemia, and can be considered a killer disease, As it causes problems in the blood industry, because hemoglobin does not function effectively, a chronic disease in children in their early stages, because of a parent’s disease, and in this article will talk about in general.

Types of Thalassemia

  • Thalassemia Alpha: Genetic disorders include alpha chains that result from hemoglobin, and are considered to be three of the three dangerous types that cause fetal death in the womb of a mother, or after a period of birth.
  • Thalassemia beta: Is one of the genetic disorders resulting from the beta series, and is considered less dangerous than thalassemia Alpha except the largest beta thalassemia or as called coli anemia, and divide the thalassemia alpha and beta into two main parts, namely:
    • Major Thalassemia: Infects children when the infected gene is from both parents.
    • Small Thalassemia: Infects children when the affected gene is from a parent.

Thalassemia symptoms

  • Change the color of the skin as it becomes black.
  • Not wanting to eat.
  • Change the color of the urine where it becomes dark.
  • Slow growth.
  • The pupil’s color turns white.
  • Swelling in the liver and spleen.
  • Some diseases of the bone system.

Thalassemia complications

  • Anemia.
  • The incidence of future deformities, especially in the bones of the head and face.
  • Delayed mental and physical development.
  • Infectious diseases such as tooth decay and tooth decay.
  • Some diseases due to weak immune system.

Thalassemia screening

  • Blood tests that indicate a low level of hemoglobin, and a low proportion of red blood cells.
  • Electrophysiology of hemoglobin, which shows the form of hemoglobin in the blood.

Tips to adapt to thalassemia

  • Follow your doctor especially when your body temperature rises, or you get a viral infection.
  • Check with your doctor to check your blood level.
  • Conduct periodic checkups for the heart, liver, and kidneys.
  • Clean the body daily to prevent bacterial infections.
  • Check blood annually to make sure it is not infected with bacterial or viral infection.
  • Eat folic acid permanently, preferably consult your doctor first.
  • Exercise.
  • Take the annual flu vaccine, to ensure that you do not get various diseases, taking care to consult your doctor.
Note: To prevent thalassemia, it is recommended to stay away from relatives, especially relatives with Thalassemia.