Thalassemia, A Simple Guide To The Condition, Treatment And Related Conditions

Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of the Red blood cellsIt produces an abnormal Hemoglobin which makes the patient unwellThe patients usually inherit the disease from his parentsIf both parents are affected, having thalassemia major child is 25 per centThere are 2 types of Thalassemia:Thalassemia major which is a serious severe form of anemiaThalassemia minor in a person who has received only one thalassemia gene.
This person will have mild anemia and can pass his gene to his offspring. Complications may be shock from loss of blood and hypotensionThere may be liver and spleen damage from frequent blood transfusionsThe result of complications is a shorter life spanUnless there is a successful marrow transplantA person with thalassemia major will need blood transfusions throughout life. At present a successful bone marrow transplant is the only hope to survive.
Thalassemia minor patients will have mild anemiaHe or she will be well compared to the major thalassemia-An original poem by Kenneth KeeInteresting Tips about the ThalassemiaA Healthy Lifestyle1. Take a well Balanced Diet2. Standard treatments for patients with thalassemia major are blood transfusions, iron chelation, removal of the spleen, and bone marrow transplant.a. Blood transfusion involves injection of red blood cells through a vein to restore normal levels of healthy red blood cells and hemoglobin.
Transfusions are repeated every 4 months in patients with moderate or severe thalassemias and every 2 to 4 weeks in patients with beta thalassemia major.b. Iron chelation is removal of excess iron from the body. A danger with blood transfusions is that they can cause iron overload, which may in turn cause heart disease. Because of this, patients who receive transfusions also require iron chelation therapy.
One of two medicines is used for iron chelation: deferoxamine, a liquid given subcutaneously (under the skin), or deferasirox, a pill given by mouth. Patients who receive blood transfusions and iron chelation may have to take folic acid supplements to restore healthy red blood cells.c. Splenectomy (removal of the spleen) may be needed for patients with Hemoglobin H disease whose need for transfusions is increasing.d.
Bone marrow transplant from a compatible related donor is the most effective treatment. Bone marrow transplant from a compatible brother or sister offers the best chance at a cureA bone marrow transplant is done in the hospital. Within one month, the transplanted bone marrow stem cells will start to make new, healthy blood cells.3. Keep bones and body strongBone marrow produces our bloodEat foods rich in calcium like yogurt, cheese, milk, and dark green vegetables.
Eat foods rich in Vitamin D, like eggs, fatty fish, cereal, and fortified milk. Eat food rich in Vitamins B and C such as green vegetables and fruitsZinc and other minerals are important to the body4. Get enough rest and SleepAvoid stress and tension5. Exercise and stay active. It is best to do weight-bearing exercise such as walking, jogging, stair climbing, dancing, or lifting weights for 2oe hours a week.
One way to do this is to be active 30 minutes a day at least 5 days a week. Begin slowly especially if a person has not been active.6. Do not drink more than 2 alcohol drinks a day for a man or 1 alcohol drink a day for a woman. Alcohol use also increases the chance of falling and breaking a bone. Alcohol can affect the neurons and brain cells.7. Stop or do not begin smoking. It also interferes with blood supply and healing.
Chapter 1ThalassemiaWhat is Thalassemia?Thalassemia is an inherited disorder of the R...