Alpha Thalassemia is a genetic blood condition. It is passed down through the genes of one or both parents. Your body produces less hemoglobin than usual if you have thalassemia. In red blood cells, hemoglobin is an iron-rich protein. It transports oxygen throughout the body.
The anemia caused by thalassemia might be minor or severe. Anemia is a condition in which your body lacks sufficient red blood cells or hemoglobin. The number of genes involved determines the degree and kind of anemia.
TYPES
Alpha thalassemia is categorized by four types, including:
SYMPTOMS
Some of the most common symptoms of Thalassemia are:
DIAGNOSIS
Alpha thalassemia is usually detected before a child’s second birthday or through newborn screening, a blood test performed shortly after birth. A bloated abdomen, anemic symptoms, and failure to thrive are common in children with alpha thalassemia major.
If the doctor suspects alpha thalassemia, the following tests will be ordered:
A single blood test can be used for all of these tests. Also, the infant is diagnosed in a pregnant woman via CVS (chorionic villus sampling) or amniocentesis. A DNA test is necessary to diagnose alpha thalassemia.
TREATMENT
Your healthcare professional will determine the optimal medication for you based on the following factors:
The following treatments may be used:
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