Definition of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a blood disorder caused by genetic factors and causes proteins in red blood cells,
called hemoglobin, to not function normally.  
The iron obtained by the body from food is used by the bone marrow to produce
hemoglobin. Hemoglobin contained in red blood cells functions to deliver oxygen from the lungs
to all members of the body.  
People with thalassemia have lower functioning hemoglobin levels. Therefore, the oxygen level
in the body of people with thalassemia is lower.  
Causes of Thalassemia
Thalassemia is caused by a genetic disorder that affects the production of red blood cells. This
genetic disorder is inherited from the parents, and can still be reduced even though the parents do
not experience symptoms.
Thalassemia symptoms are not always the same for every sufferer. Signs and symptoms that
appear usually depend on the type of thalassemia and the severity of the condition.
 
However, some common symptoms of thalassemia, such as:
Yellowish or pale (jaundice) skin
Severe fatigue
Chest pain
Bone defects or abnormalities, especially on the face
The stomach swells
Growth tends to be slow
Dark urine
Cold hands and feet
Hard to breathe
Fast heartbeat
Headache
Susceptible to infection
 
Thalassemia can come at different times. Some have experienced signs and symptoms of
thalassemia from birth, but some have only experienced it after a few years of life. In fact, some
people who only have one thalassemia gene mutation can not experience symptoms of this
disease.
On the other hand, not a few people with thalassemia feel clear signs and symptoms that tend to
be underestimated. In fact, thalassemia that has developed more severe can cause organ
damage. So, don't delay to consult your complaint with the doctor.
Treatment of Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a prolonged genetic disorder, so treatment needs to be done for life. People with
thalassemia will go through repeated blood transfusions to add less blood cells. In the case of
severe thalassemia, the doctor may advise the patient to do a bone marrow transplant.
But not all people with thalassemia need a blood transfusion. Patients with minor thalassemia
only need regular checks and blood transfusions under certain conditions, such as after childbirth
or surgery.

Complications of Thalassemia
Thalassemia, inevitably will cause a number of complications. Some thalassemia
complications such as:

 Growth stunted

 Osteoporosis

 Hepatitis

 Heartbeat disorder
Prevention of Thalassemia
Given thalassemia is a genetic disease, then the only step to prevent thalassemia is to do an
examination before you and your partner plan a pregnancy. The examination in question
includes:
Screening for thalassemia
Antenna inspection
Blood test (for hemoglobin level and red blood cell profile)
Genetic consultation