Every year, World Thalassemia Day is observed on 8th May to spread awareness about this inheritable blood disease.
Thalassemia is a
blood disorder characterized by abnormal form of hemoglobin, a blood
protein whose function is to carry oxygen to the tissues.
It is a inheritable disease, means it is transfered from the parents to the children if either of the parents is affected.
According to Thalassemia International Foundation, currently there are 150890 people living with Thalassemia in south asia and 45346 babies are born with this disease every year.
The theme for 2013 is ' The right for quality health care for every patient with thalassemia major and beyond '.
Types
Hemoglobin protein has got two types of chains,
Alpha chain : whose deficiency results in Alpha Thalassemia.
Beta chain : whose deficiency results in Beta Thalassemia.
Thalassemia
major results from complete absence of either of two chains, and in
Thalassemia minor there is decreased production of one of them.
Symptoms
Growth Failure
Abnormal Bones
Shortness of Breath
Yellow Skin
Investigations
A complete blood count shows small , abnormal shaped red blood cells.
Treatment
Thalassemia major requires frequent blood transfusions
While Thalassemia minor doesn't require any treatment.
Complications
They include
Heart and liver problems like Heart Failure & Hepatitis C. Iron
overload commonly occurs due to frequent blood transfusions.
Prevention
A simple blood
test called Hemoglobin electrophoresis can detect this abnormal form of
hemoglobin. It should be done by both of the partners who intend to
marry. If any one of them is detected to be having Thalassemia, genetic
counseling should be availed from a health care professional to prevent
the transmission of Thalassemia to their future offsprings.
What you can do:
We can help them by donating blood. Donating blood at least once a year won't harm you & will also make their life easy.
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