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Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People with thalassemia have abnormal or insufficient hemoglobin production, leading to anemia, or a shortage of red blood cells.
There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha and beta thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough alpha globin chains, while beta thalassemia occurs when the body cannot produce enough beta globin chains. There are several different forms of thalassemia, ranging from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the gene mutations.
Symptoms of thalassemia may include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, jaundice, shortness of breath, and a slow rate of growth and development in children. In severe cases, thalassemia can lead to organ damage, heart failure, and even death.
Treatment for thalassemia may include blood transfusions to replenish red blood cells, iron chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body, and bone marrow transplantation in some cases. It is also important for people with thalassemia to manage their condition through regular medical care, a healthy diet, and avoiding certain medications that can worsen anemia.
Thalassemia is an inherited condition, which means that it is passed down from parents to their children. People who are carriers of thalassemia can pass the condition on to their children, even if they do not have symptoms themselves. Genetic counseling and testing can help identify carriers of thalassemia and help families understand their risks of having a child with the condition.