Introduction
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the body’s ability to produce hemoglobin, which is essential for carrying oxygen to all cells in the body. This condition leads to anemia, fatigue, and other health complications.
Types of Thalassemia
- Alpha Thalassemia
- Beta Thalassemia
Causes
Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that are responsible for producing hemoglobin. These mutations can be inherited from one or both parents.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, facial bone deformities, dark urine, and slow growth in children.
Treatment
Treatment options for thalassemia include blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplant in severe cases.
Prevalence
Thalassemia is most commonly found in Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and African populations. It is estimated that around 5% of the world’s population carries a thalassemia gene.
Case Study
John, a 10-year-old boy, was diagnosed with beta thalassemia major at birth. He undergoes monthly blood transfusions to manage his condition and leads a relatively normal life with proper medical care.
