Thalassemia: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Dr. Richika Sahay | 17 Aug 2023 | 3711 Views |

Introduction

With the surge of health consciousness and the relentless pursuit of understanding one’s own body, the conversation around Thalassemia has never been more critical. Especially for those embarking on the journey of parenthood, it’s pivotal. Located at the heart of Delhi, Noida, Gurgaon and Gwalior, the India IVF Fertility Clinic offers a comprehensive guide and support system for such medical queries.

What is thalassemia?

To put it simply, Thalassemia is a blood disorder. But let’s peel the onion a bit. People with Thalassemia produce lesser hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than the average person. Hemoglobin is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. A deficiency means your tissues and organs aren’t getting enough oxygen, leading to the symptoms we’ll dive into below.

What are the Symptoms of thalassemia?

Every cloud has a silver lining, right? Thalassemia’s is that its symptoms are quite recognizable, making early diagnosis possible. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue or weakness
• Pale or jaundiced skin
• Facial bone deformities
• Slow growth
• Abdominal swelling
• Dark urine

Testing for thalassemia

At the India IVF Fertility Clinic, our ace team insists on the importance of getting tested, especially if Thalassemia runs in your family or if you belong to an ethnic group that’s at a higher risk. Common tests include:

• Complete Blood Count (CBC): This is your typical blood test but holds a world of information.
• Hemoglobin Electrophoresis: Sounds fancy, huh? It’s a type of test that separates out the different types of hemoglobin to see which are present in higher amounts.
• Genetic Testing: To determine if a child will inherit the disease or be a carrier.

Treatment for thalassemia

A stitch in time saves nine. Early detection of Thalassemia means treatments can be more effective. Treatments might include:

• Blood transfusions
• Bone marrow transplants
• Medications and supplements
• Possible surgery to correct bone deformities
• Routine check-ups

Is thalassemia a curable disease?

The million-dollar question, right? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t black and white. Mild Thalassemia might not need treatment. Severe Thalassemia requires regular blood transfusions. The only potential cure currently is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, but these procedures are risky and can have serious side effects. But don’t fret! Regular treatments can help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Conclusion

Life’s not about waiting for the storm to pass but learning to dance in the rain. Thalassemia might sound daunting, but with the right knowledge and timely intervention, it can be managed. The India IVF Fertility Clinic in Delhi, Noida, and Gurgaon is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

About The Author

Dr. Richika Sahay

MBBS (Gold Medalist), DNB (Obst & Gyne), MNAMS, MRCOG (London-UK), Fellow IVF, Fellow MAS, Infertility (IVF) Specialist & Gynae Laparoscopic surgeon,[Ex AIIMS & Sir Gangaram Hospital, New Delhi]. Read more