World Thalassemia Day

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a blood disorder that is passed down from parents to children. It prevents the body from producing haemoglobin and the protein in RBC that carries oxygen. This can cause a myriad of health issues depending on the severity of the disorder. Thalassemia is classified into two types depending on which part of the haemoglobin molecule is affected. They are as follows: 

Alpha Thalassemia: This condition is caused by the mutation of genes that control the alpha-globin chains. The more genes are affected, the more severe it gets. If all four genes are affected, there is a high chance of major complications. 

Beta Thalassemia: As the name suggests, this is caused by a mutation in genes that control the beta-globin chains. If both genes are severely affected, critical anaemia that requires routine blood transfusions can happen. 

Who is at Risk of Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is fundamentally a genetic disorder. However, certain factors besides genetics play a part in who inherits this condition. The major factors leading to an individual developing thalassemia are as follows: 

• People with Family History of Thalassemia: As thalassemia is a disorder that children inherit from their parents, and both parents have it, the chances of a child inheriting the faulty genes are 25%. 

• Individuals From High-Risk Ethnic Groups: The condition is more prevalent in people from the Mediterranean, Middle East, Africa, South Asia, and Southeast Asia. These areas had widespread malaria in the past, as carrying the gene provided partial protection against the parasitic disease. 

• People Undergoing Regular Blood Transfusions: Those undergoing blood transfusions due to other medical conditions may develop iron overload, leading to conditions similar to those of a thalassemia patient. Though this is not a direct cause, it also needs to be taken into account. 

• Those With Limited Access to Screening: Populations that have limited access to proper screenings and diagnostic tests due to economic factors are at higher risk of developing thalassemia. Lack of awareness also plays a part in worsening the situation. 

Effects of Thalassemia

Thalassemia can disrupt normal bodily functions in several ways. They are as follows: 

• Anaemia 

• Splenomegaly (enlargement of the spleen) 

• Bone deformity 

• Delayed puberty and growth 

• Organ damage caused by Iron overload 

• Higher risk of infections 

Treatments for Thalassemia

There are various treatment options for thalassemia depending on the severity. The major ways in which the condition is treated are as follows: 

Blood Transfusions: Blood transfusions are an effective treatment option for treating moderate to major cases of thalassemia. It helps maintain the required haemoglobin levels and reduces fatigue and shortness of breath. 

Folic Acid Supplements: Helps improve red blood cell production. 

Bone Marrow: Replacing defective bone marrow with healthy stem cells from a donor enables the body to produce normal levels of haemoglobin. 

Iron Chelation Therapy: This prevents iron buildup in the blood as the body cannot remove excess iron from transfused blood. 

Ways to Support the Thalassemia Community 

There are several steps one can take in order to support the thalassemia community. Some of them are as follows: 

• Raise awareness 

• Donate blood regularly 

• Support carrier screening and genetic counselling 

• Encourage thalassemia research and studies 

World Thalassemia Day Celebrations

World Thalassemia Day is celebrated globally with great dedication. Programmes such as awareness campaigns and fundraising events are conducted on the day. Many educational programmes are also conducted on World Thalassemia Day to highlight the importance of raising awareness of thalassemia.

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