People diagnosed with thalassemia should consult a hematologist in Lahore. The specialist will evaluate the severity of the condition. Also, the hematologist will guide regarding the effective treatment and self-care steps, which would help cope with the symptoms and function adequately in every aspect of life.
Thalassemia is a blood disorder in which there is low production of hemoglobin. The condition is inherited and cannot be cured. Thalassemia requires medical attention, or else it can be life-threatening. Treatment options can help the person manage the symptoms.
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What symptoms correlate with thalassemia?
The common signs and symptoms of thalassemia include:
- Parents or caregivers can notice bone deformity in the early years.
- The color of the urine is darker.
- The overall physical growth of the patient is slower.
- The person remains tired most of the time.
- The patient is more likely to suffer from breathing difficulties.
- The patient experiences abdominal swelling; that causes pain and discomfort.
- The skin of the patient remains pale or yellow.
What causes an individual to suffer from thalassemia?
The common cause of thalassemia is a genetic mutation that hinders hemoglobin production. It is an inherited and lifelong condition.
What are the complications associated with thalassemia?
Hemoglobin is responsible for the transportation of oxygen from the lungs to the other organs and tissues. Due to decreased hemoglobin production, the person is more likely to suffer from:
- The person suffers from an enlarged spleen, which can increase the likelihood of infection, leading to further complications.
- The person is prone to suffer from heart diseases due to hindered blood supply.
- The physical growth and development are slow, and caregivers can notice bone deformities. The patients are more likely to have deformed nose bones that can induce anxiety.
- The patients suffer from difficulty in conceiving.
- The patient becomes anemic due to low red blood cells and hemoglobin.
What preventive and self-care steps help cope with the symptoms?
The condition is inherited; hence, there is no way to prevent the occurrence of thalassemia. However, self-care steps can help the patient lead a healthier and productive life; such as:
- The patient should avoid iron-rich food and supplements.
- The person should be vaccinated for most of the diseases.
- The person should remain vigilant regarding their overall physical health to reduce the chances of infection.
- The person should consume whole wheat and dairy products,
- The patient should avoid consuming meat and vegetable enriched with iron.
What tests help in diagnosing thalassemia?
The tests to detect thalassemia in the patient are:
- CBC: The complete blood count test helps determine the abnormality in the RBCs. Additionally, it helps check the blood count levels, which helps determine if there is low production of hemoglobin.
- Prenatal Testing: If mother or father are suffering from thalassemia, the prenatal test helps check if the child will be born with the same illness.
- Physical Examination: The physical examination will help evaluate the bone deformity and the changes in the skin color that correlate with thalassemia.
What medications and procedures are proven beneficial to treat thalassemia?
The effective treatment options are:
- Use of Iron Chelators: Due to blood transfusions, the person is more likely to have higher iron levels in the body. The medication allows the removal of excess iron from the body.
- Blood Transfusion: The procedure allows the replacement of blood provided by the donor.
- Stem Cell Transplant: It is commonly known as a bone marrow transplant. The purpose of the therapy is to replace damaged stem cells with healthier cells.
Patients with thalassemia are prone to develop other serious illnesses. It is best to consult the hematologist in Karachi; the specialist can guide the patient regarding complications and ways to prevent them. Additionally, the hematologist will help the patient opt for the most effective treatment based on their symptoms.
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