What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a genetic disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. It occurs when the genes responsible for producing hemoglobin are missing or altered, leading to reduced or abnormal hemoglobin production. This condition is inherited from parents and varies in severity depending on the type and number of affected genes.
Symptoms
The symptoms of thalassemia vary depending on its severity but may include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, slow growth, dark urine, and facial bone deformities in severe cases.
Day-to-day complications can include difficulty maintaining energy levels, frequent medical visits for blood transfusions, and potential side effects from iron overload due to treatment.
With proper management, individuals with thalassemia can lead relatively normal lives, but severe cases may shorten the average life span to around 30 years.
Prevention and Treatment