Full Answer
How long can you live with thalassemia?
Without treatment, the median survival time for myelodysplastic syndromes range from less than a year to approximately 12 years, depending on factors such as number of chromosome abnormalities and level of red blood cells. However, treatment is often successful, especially for certain types of this condition.
How to cure thalassemia?
Too much iron can result in damage to your heart, liver and endocrine system, which includes hormone-producing glands that regulate processes throughout your body. Deferiprone is an iron chelator indicated for the treatment of patients with transfusion iron overload due to thalassemia syndromes when current chelation therapy is inadequate.
Is there a cure for thalassemia?
You might also experience:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- A fast heart beat
- Headache
- Leg cramps
- Difficulty concentrating
- Pale skin
How do you treat thalassemia?
The patients of beta thalassemia need lifelong care that includes regular blood transfusions and medicines. Thakur Singh Tharu/TKP Eleven-year-old Heena Chaudhary, a resident of Madhuwan Municipality-3 in Bardiya district, has been suffering from beta thalassemia for the past two years.
What is the natural cure for thalassemia?
Home remedies for Thalassemia Tulsi juice: Take 4-5 teaspoon of fresh Tulsi juice to get relief in Thalassemia. You can take it anytime in the day. Folic acid: Eat food rich in folic acid like lentils, bananas, soy products, beetroot, and sweet potatoes. Do not start any multivitamin without asking your doctor.
How do you get rid of alpha thalassemia?
A stem cell transplant is the only treatment that can cure alpha thalassemia, but the procedure has some risks. Only a small percentage of people with severe alpha thalassemia are able to be matched well with a donor.
What foods are not good for alpha thalassemia?
Thalassemia patients should avoid pork, liver, oysters, beans, beef, peanut butter and tofu from their diet. They should also avoid consumption of prunes and prune juice, watermelon, spinach, leafy green veggies, dates, broccoli, raisins and peas.
What should I eat if I have alpha thalassemia?
Nutrition is very important for many, especially those with thalassemia. Individuals are encouraged to eat a balanced diet consisting of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables and may need to pay extra attention to ensure not getting high amounts of iron through their diet.
Does alpha thalassemia go away?
This condition causes mild to severe anemia, based on the type of alpha thalassemia that is inherited. People who have this condition can pass the disease on to their children. There is no cure. Treatment can reduce symptoms.
How long do people with alpha thalassemia live?
Without close monitoring and regular treatment, the most severe types can cause serious organ damage and be life threatening. In the past, severe thalassaemia was often fatal by early adulthood. But with current treatments, people are likely to live into their 50s, 60s and beyond.
Is Ginger good for thalassemia?
Use Ginger: Another effective remedy to relieve the symptoms of thalassemia is to consume ginger. Ginger serves to enhance the immunity of the body as well as enhance the appetite.
Is banana good for thalassemia?
6. Banana are a good source of folic acid. They will help build RBC.
What fruit is good for thalassemia?
Watermelon, the summer fruit, is high on nutrients, especially iron. The high levels of Vitamin C enables the body to absorb iron faster and more efficiently.
Does exercise help thalassemia?
The benefits of exercise may actually be greater in thalassemia as studies have shown patients have reduced muscle mass and are at higher risk for osteoporosis. Exercise can stimulate both muscle and bone growth and increase bone strength.
Is tea good for thalassemia?
Tea produced a 41 to 95 per cent inhibition of iron absorption. Since patients with thalassemia intermedia may absorb a large percentage of dietary iron, inhibitors of iron absorption, such as tea, may be useful in their management.
Is green tea good for thalassemia?
Conclusions: Regular green tea consumption had a significant capability to improve iron deposition in thalassemia intermedia patients who already undergo deferesirox iron chelation therapy.
If I Have Thalassemia, How Does It Affect My body?
Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, y...
How Is Thalassemia Treated?
The type of treatment a person receives depends on how severe the thalassemia is. The more severe the thalassemia, the less hemoglobin the body has...
How Do Blood Transfusions Affect My body?
People who receive a lot of blood transfusions are at risk for iron overload. Red blood cells contain a lot of iron, and over time, the iron from a...
What is the best vitamin for thalassemia?
Many times people with thalassemia are prescribed a supplemental B vitamin, known as folic acid, to help treat anemia. Folic acid can help red blood cells develop. Treatment with folic acid is usually done in addition to other therapies.
How to tell if you have thalassemia?
Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, you might feel tired or weak. You might also experience: 1 Dizziness 2 Shortness of breath 3 A fast heart beat 4 Headache 5 Leg cramps 6 Difficulty concentrating 7 Pale skin
Why is thalassemia considered immunocompromised?
Because of this, people with thalassemia are said to be “immunocompromised,” which means that some of the body’s defenses against infection aren’t working. When you are immunocompromised, it is easier for you to get infections and you sometimes need extra protection, like flu shots and other vaccines.
How to treat anemia?
This can be done through a blood transfusion, a safe, common procedure in which you receive blood through a small plastic tube inserted into one of your blood vessels.
Can thalassemia cause low blood count?
Please try again later. Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia. When you have anemia, you might feel tired or weak. You might also experience: Your body will try very hard to make more red blood cells.
Do people with thalassemia need blood transfusions?
People with thalassemia minor or trait usually do not need blood transfusions because they either do not have anemia or have only a mild anemia.
How many types of alpha thalassemia are there?
There are 4 different types of alpha thalassemia. This condition causes mild to severe anemia, based on the type of alpha thalassemia that is inherited. People who have this condition can pass the disease on to their children. There is no cure.
What is thalassemia inherited?
Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-mee-uh) is a blood disorder that is inherited. This means it is passed down from one or both parents through their genes. When you have thalassemia, your body makes less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein in red blood cells. It carries oxygen to all parts of the body.
How to tell if you are a carrier for thalassemia?
This test checks the size, number, and maturity of different blood cells in a set volume of blood.
Is Alpha thalassemia silent carrier?
Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. One gene is missing or damaged, and the other 3 are normal. Blood tests are usually normal. Your red blood cells may be smaller than normal. Being a silent carrier means you don’t have signs of the disease, but you can pass the damaged gene on to your child.
Can you have alpha thalassemia without symptoms?
People with alpha thalassemia may have no symptoms. Or they may have many symptoms. If you don’t have symptoms, you may still want to see a specialist. He or she can help you understand the risks of passing the disease to your children.
What is Alpha Thalassemia?
Updated on January 24, 2020. Alpha thalassemia is an inherited anemia where the body is unable to produce a normal amount of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin A (the major hemoglobin in adults) contains two alpha globin chains and two beta globin chains. In alpha thalassemia, there is a reduced amount of alpha globes. Andrew Brookes / Getty Images.
How many African Americans have alpha thalassemia?
In the US, approximately 30% of African-Americans have either alpha thalassemia minima or minor. Alpha thalassemia is an inherited condition and requires both parents to be carriers. A person without alpha thalassemia should have four alpha globin genes.
What is it called when all four alpha globin genes are lost?
When these join together, it is called Hemoglobin H. Hydrops fetalis occurs when all four alpha globin genes are lost. Historically, this has been incompatible with life. If risk is known in advance, intrauterine transfusions (transfusions to the fetus while still in the uterus) may allow for successful delivery.
What is the name of the trait that occurs when two alpha globin genes are lost?
Alpha thalassemia minima (silent carrier) occurs when one alpha globin gene is lost. Alpha thalassemia minor (or trait) occurs when two alpha globin genes are lost. There are two forms. When the two alpha globin genes lost are on the same chromosome 16 is called cis, but when one alpha globin gene is missing on each copy ...
Why is Alpha thalassemia minima called silent carrier?
Alpha thalassemia minima causes no laboratory changes on CBC. This is why it is called silent carrier. This is usually suspected after a child is born with Hemoglobin H disease. This can only be determined by genetic testing.
What is the treatment for hemoglobin H?
Iron chelation therapy : Patients with Hemoglobin H disease may develop iron overload even in the absence of blood transfusions secondary to increased absorption of iron in the small intestine. They can be treated with medications called chelators to help rid the body of excess iron.
Can alpha thalassemia be detected on newborn screen?
Occasionally alpha thalassemia minor is identified on newborn screen, but not in all cases. The test is positive for Hemoglobin Bart's or fast bands. Many people with alpha thalassemia minor I have no idea. This usually comes to light during a routine complete blood count (CBC).
Where is Alpha Thalassemia most common?
Thousands of infants are born with alpha thalassemia trait or hemoglobin H disease each year, but it is most common in Southeast Asia. It also occurs often in people of African, Greek, Italian and Middle Eastern descent.
How many genes are involved in alpha thalassemia?
People who have moderate to severe forms of alpha thalassemia have inherited faulty hemoglobin genes from both parents. Alpha globin is made by four specific genes—two on each strand of chromosome 16.
What is the treatment for hydrops fetalis?
Several standard treatments are used for moderate and severe forms of the disorder: Blood transfusions —are the main treatment for people with severe alpha thalassemia.
Why does a baby die from alpha thalassemia?
A fetus with this disorder will usually die in the womb or the baby will die soon after birth because the child is unable to make normal hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body.
Can a child have alpha thalassemia?
A parent with alpha globin-making genes that are altered or missing, may have a child with a form of alpha thalassemia. Each child has a 25 percent chance of inheriting one, two or three missing genes. A baby born without all four genes is very rare. Alpha thalassemia is one of the most common blood disorders in the world.
Can stem cells be used for alpha thalassemia?
Stem cells are the cells inside bone marrow that become red blood cells and other types of blood cells. A stem cell transplant is the only treatment that can cure alpha thalassemia, but the procedure has some risks. Only a small percentage of people with severe alpha thalassemia are able to be matched well with a donor.
Can hemoglobin H be treated with blood transfusion?
People with hemoglobin H disease may need a blood transfusion on occasion, such as during an infection or other illness or if symptoms of anemia occur. Blood transfusions are a life-saving treatment that can help people with alpha thalassemia feel better, live longer and have better quality of life overall.
Does iron supplementation help with alpha thalassemia?
Iron deficiency must be documented carefully with laboratory testing before supplemental iron is given. Iron supplementation does not improve hematologic values in alpha thalassemia. Many patients with apparent iron deficiency actually have iron overload (hemochromatosis), the effects of which can contribute to morbidity and mortality.
Is blood transfusion necessary for HbH?
Guidelines for transfusion in neonates and older children have been established. [ 36] . Blood transfusions should be administered only if necessary.
Can alpha thalassemia be treated?
Approach Considerations. Individuals with mild forms of alpha thalassemia may not require specific treatment except as needed for management of low hemoglobin levels. In some patients, supplementation of iron or folic acid may be useful. Patients with more severe anemia may require lifelong transfusion therapy.
What is the disease of alpha thalassemia?
Alpha-thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the body's production of hemoglobin. Affected people have anemia, which can cause pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and more serious complications. Two types of alpha-thalassemia can cause health problems: the more severe type is known as Hb Bart syndrome; the milder form is called HbH disease. Hb Bart syndrome may be characterized by hydrops fetalis; severe anemia; hepatosplenomegaly; heart defects; and abnormalities of the urinary system or genitalia. Most babies with this condition are stillborn or die soon after birth. HbH disease may cause mild to moderate anemia; hepatosplenomegaly; jaundice; or bone changes. Alpha-thalassemia typically results from deletions involving the HBA1 and HBA2 genes. The inheritance is complex, and can be read about here. [1] No treatment is effective for Hb Bart syndrome. For HbH disease, occasional red blood cell transfusions may be needed. [2]
How many genes are involved in alpha thalassemia?
The inheritance of alpha-thalassemia is complex because the condition involves two genes: HBA1 and HBA2. People have two copies of the HBA1 gene and two copies of the HBA2 gene in each cell. Each copy is called an allele. Therefore, there are 4 alleles that produce alpha-globin, the protein that results from these genes. For each of the 2 genes, one allele is inherited from a person's father, and the other is inherited from a person's mother - so each person inherits 2 alleles from each parent. The different types of alpha-thalassemia result from the loss of some or all of these alleles.
What happens if both parents are missing at least one alpha-globin allele?
If both parents are missing at least one alpha-globin allele, each of their children are at risk of having Hb Bart syndrome or hydrops fetalis, hemoglobin H (HbH) disease, or alpha-thalassemia trait. The precise risk depends on how many alleles are missing and which combination of the HBA1 and HBA2 genes is affected.
Can HBH cause anemia?
HbH disease may cause mild to moderate anemia; hepatosplenomegaly; jaundice; or bone changes. Alpha-thalassemia typically results from deletions involving the HBA1 and HBA2 genes. The inheritance is complex, and can be read about here. [1] . No treatment is effective for Hb Bart syndrome.
How to prevent thalassemia?
Hydration is the primary measure of prevention, especially with outdoor activities. Those with severe thalassemias should avoid contact sports and limit heavy exertion. Also, high-altitude activities, including flight in pressurized cabins, is highly discouraged.
What is the major form of thalassemia?
Alpha-thalassemia major is a severe form that is incompatible with life; fetuses usually die in utero 1. Beta-thalassemia -- intermedia and major -- may be treated with blood transfusions 1. Over time, these transfusions cause excess iron to accumulate in the body.
What is thalassemia in 2011?
17 August, 2011. Thalassemia is an inherited disease in which the body makes abnormal hemoglobin 1.*. Hemoglobin is composed of two alpha and two beta subunits. A deficiency in either type is abnormal and leads to thalassemia 1.*.
Does thalassemia cause fatigue?
Some thalassemias do not produce many, if any, symptoms. Persons with alpha- or beta-thalassemia minor, in which only one of the genes responsible for hemoglobin production is affected, may only display mild anemia with slight fatigue 1 .**.
Can thalassemia be detected in athletes?
Detecting Thalassemia in Athletes. An athlete with any of the forms of thalassemia will present with symptoms of anemia 1. However, this anemia does not respond to iron supplementation, and if the athlete is tested, iron levels will be normal.**.
Is thalassemia a disadvantage for athletes?
Since the red blood cells use the hemoglobin to carry oxygen throughout the body, an athlete with thalassemia is at a significant disadvantage 1.
Is thalassemia genetic?
Precautions for Athletes with Thalassemia. Since this disease is genetic, there is no way to completely eliminate it. Thus, precautions must be taken to prevent the athlete from life-threatening complications. Athletes should be carefully observed at all times.
Symptoms
Who's at Risk
- Alpha thalassemia is an inherited condition that requires both parents to be carriers. Therefore, the risk of having a child with alpha thalassemia disease depends on the status of the parents. People have four alpha-globin proteins that form the HBA1 and the HBA2 genes (called alleles). When some or all of these alleles are missing, alpha thalassemia occurs. The risk is as follows: …
Treatments
- No treatment is needed for people who are silent carriers (minima) or for alpha thalassemia minor. Although, people with alpha thalassemia minor will have lifelong mild anemia. Those with more moderate to severe cases may require blood transfusions or chelation therapy.
Summary
- Alpha thalassemia is an inherited disorder in which the body can not produce enough hemoglobin. The condition ranges from asymptomatic to severe. Sometimes, a person can be a carrier (silent alpha thalassemia) with no sign of disease. Others may have very mild disease, known as having alpha thalassemia trait. The two types of alpha thalassemia that cause health problems are Hb …
A Word from Verywell
- Remember that both parents must be carriers for a child to be born with alpha thalassemia. Doctors can diagnose alpha thalassemia with blood tests; however, a blood test won't detect it if someone is a silent carrier. Genetic testing can confirm if you are a silent carrier. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about alpha thalassemia. They may recommend genetic testing an…
Blood Transfusions
- Blood transfusionsare the main way to treat moderate or severe thalassemia. This treatment gives you red blood cells with healthy hemoglobin. During a blood transfusion, a needle is used to insert an intravenous (IV) line into one of your blood vessels. You receive healthy blood through this line. The procedure usually takes 1 to 4 hours. How often...
Iron Chelation Therapy
- The hemoglobin in red blood cells is an iron-rich protein. Regular blood transfusions can cause iron buildup, or iron overload, which can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. To prevent this, doctors use iron chelation therapy in people who receive regular blood transfusions to remove excess iron from the body. Three medicines are used for iron chelation therapy: 1. Def…
Blood and Bone Marrow Transplant
- A blood or bone marrow transplant, also called a hematopoietic stem celltransplant, replaces blood-forming stem cells that aren’t working properly with healthy donor cells. A stem cell transplant is the only treatment that can cure thalassemia. However, only a small number of people who have severe thalassemia are able to find a good donor match and are a good fit for t…
Other Treatments