Thalassemia<br />article<br />Zahraa hadi aziz<br /><br /> is an inherited blood disorder characterized by decreased hemoglobin production. Symptoms depend on the type and can vary from none to severe. There is often mild to severe anemia. Anemia can lead to fatigue and pale skin. There may also be bone problems, enlarged spleen, and yellowing of the skin. Growth retardation may occur in children.<br /><br />Type of thalassemia<br />1- Alpha thalassemia <br />In this type of thalassemia, there is loss or damage in one or more of the four genes that make up the alpha protein. <br />2-Beta Thalassemia<br />This type of thalassemia occurs when there is a defect in the genes responsible for producing the beta-globin protein.<br /><br /> <br />Symptoms of thalassemia<br />1. Anemia.<br />2. Extreme fatigue.<br />3. Weakness and shortness of breath.<br />4. Irregular heartbeat (palpitations)<br />5. Pale skin resulting from a lack of hemoglobin.<br />6. Excess iron in the body resulting from transport processes. Regular blood transfusions used to treat anemia.<br />7. Delayed growth.<br />8. Weak and brittle bones (osteoporosis).<br />Causes of thalassemia <br />Thalassemia occurs due to a genetic mutation in the DNA of the cells that make up hemoglobin. This mutation is genetically transmitted from parents to children. Which causes genetic mutations to disrupt normal hemoglobin production, resulting in lower hemoglobin levels and a higher rate of red blood cell damage.<br />Treatment of thalassemia <br />-Blood transfusion: It is the first and basic treatment for thalassemia and depends on the severity of the disease, as new blood is transfused to the affected person every 34 months or every 24 weeks.<br />In the case of beta thalassemia major: anemia colic, the operation takes 14 hours. It is conducted under the supervision of a doctor.<br /> - Folic acid: to help build red blood cells.<br />Getting rid of excess iron: It is very possible for iron to accumulate in the blood and move it to other organs such as the heart. And the liver in thalassemia patients, so the process of binding iron to get rid of it is a necessary procedure, and is done through the use of the following treatments:<br />-Deferasirox. <br />-Deferoxamine. <br />Conclusion: <br />Thalassemia is a serious genetic condition that affects the production of hemoglobin in the body, but with early diagnosis and continuous treatment, the lives of those affected can be significantly improved. By developing new treatments and increasing awareness about the disease, the medical community can address the challenges of thalassemia more effectively, giving people with it a better chance at living a healthy, normal life.<br /><br />References <br />National Health Service. Thalassaemia. Retrieved on the 5th of August, 2021, from:<br /><br />https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/thalassaemia/symptoms <br /><br />Gretchen Holm. Everything You Need to Know About Thalassemia. Retrieved on the 5th of August, 2021, from<br />