Understanding the health needs of Thalassemia
If your blood test report has given a positive indication of thalassemia or if you are attending someone who suffers from it, then it’s vitally important to understand the specific complications and needs that develop from this disease. Thalassemia is a blood-related disorder which is actually a genetic defect. It arises from the insufficient production of globin chains which build up haemoglobin, the primary component of the bloodstream. As the abnormal genetic structure of these globin chains keeps passing from one generation to another, it results in abnormal or defective haemoglobin.
Thalassemia usually has alpha or beta carriers. Alpha patients usually don’t suffer from major symptoms and the defect is detected through blood tests. However, for beta carriers, there maybe a wide range of symptoms which can sometimes be unpredictable. Some of them may have effects which may last a lifetime. Mild tiredness to moderate anemia, problematic onset of puberty, slow bone growth, spleen disorders, heart and liver diseases and occurrence of infections are some well-studied symptoms. Thalassemia patients are usually classified as major or minor. Children suffering from the disease must be given special attention because for them Thalassemia might pose problems which might trouble them years later (like stunted growth).
The first important step is to consult a medical professional who can identify and trace the faulty genes through the patient’s family history. Tracing the disorder across a family line will make it easier for the disease to be removed from future generations.
The most common treatment of thelassemia involves frequent blood transfusions to replace abnormal haemoglobin. However, this may lead to excess iron in the body, which may require further treatment. Planning and scheduling the patient’s diet and lifestyle (even if he/she isn’t suffering from major symptoms) is a must.
Foods that are high in iron content have to be avoided. This includes, among other foods, leafy vegetables, spinach, liver, pork, beans etc. The disease is also associated with delayed bone growth and late puberty, especially among teenagers. Therefore, calcium-rich foods like dairy products, or calcium tablets, must be taken. Vitamins D and E supplements can also be taken. Liver damage is very common for thelassemia patients, so preparations made from liver-strengthening substances like Milk Thistle are very beneficial.
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