Thalassemia
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a blood disorder involving less than normal amounts of an oxygen-carrying protein. Its inherited from your parents and only the most severe cases of Thalassemia need to be treated.
Causes and Complications
Thalassemia is caused by mutations in DNA. These mutations disrupt the normal production of Hemoglobin, which causes Anemia. When your Anemic your red blood cells cant carry oxygen to your tissues, causing fatigue. Some complications of Thalassemia are iron overload, bone deformities, enlarged spleen, and slowed growth. The most severe ones can cause heart and liver damage
Testing and Treatment
Most children start to show signs of Thalassemia within 2 years of life. Doctors use blood tests to determine if you might have the disease. Prenatal testing can also be done. In most cases Thalassemia is a very mild disease that needs no treatment. However, occasionally there are some people that need to have blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants frequently.
Life Outlook
Thalassemia can last for years or it can be lifelong. To help reduce the symptoms of the disease you will have to avoid excess iron. Eating a healthy diet will help reduce fatigue. Also you must avoid infections. Needed annual vaccines are flu shot, Meningitis, Pheumococcal, and Hepititas B.
Work Cited
"Thalassemia." Lifestyle and Home Remedies. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.
"Thalassemia." Healthline. Web. 13 Oct. 2015.