World Thalassaemia Day is observed on May 8 every year to raise awareness and promote action around the genetic disorder that affects millions of people worldwide.
About Thalassaemia:
Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder.
Thalassemia causes the body to have less of the protein hemoglobin than usual.
Hemoglobin is present in red blood cells and allows the red blood cells to carry oxygen.
Not having enough hemoglobin or red blood cells can lead to a condition called anemia. That can make you feel tired and weak.
Thalassaemia is caused by inheriting a gene mutation (change in the normal DNA) from one or both parents.
There are different types of thalassaemia. The type someone has depends on which gene mutation they inherit.
Symptoms: Thalassemia can cause mild or severe anemia and other complications over time (such as iron overload). Symptoms of anemia include:
Trouble breathing.
Feeling cold.
Pale skin
dizziness
fatigue
Treatments:
Blood transfusions – regular blood transfusions treat and prevent anaemia; in severe cases these are needed around once a month.
Chelation therapy – treatment with medicine to remove the excess iron from the body that builds up as a result of having regular blood transfusions
The only possible cure for thalassaemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, but this is not done very often because of the risks involved.
Dear Student,
You have still not entered your mailing address. Please enter the address where all the study materials will be sent to you. (If applicable).
