Can thalassemia be cured?

Can thalassemia be cured?

Stem cell or bone marrow transplants are the only cure for thalassaemia, but they're not done very often because of the significant risks involved. Stem cells are produced in bone marrow, the spongy tissue found in the centre of some bones, and have the ability to develop into different types of blood cells.

What are the 4 types of thalassemia?

Alpha thalassemia occurs when some or all of the 4 genes that make hemoglobin (the alpha-globin genes) are missing or damaged....There are 4 types of alpha thalassemia:

• Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. ...
• Alpha thalassemia carrier. ...
• Hemoglobin H disease. ...
• Alpha thalassemia major.

Is thalassemia can cause death?

People with thalassemia may have mild or severe anemia. Severe anemia can damage organs and lead to death.

How do I know if I have thalassemia?

If your doctor suspects your child has thalassemia, he or she can confirm a diagnosis with blood tests. Blood tests can reveal the number of red blood cells and abnormalities in size, shape or color. Blood tests can also be used for DNA analysis to look for mutated genes.

At what age is thalassemia detected?

Most children with moderate to severe thalassemia receive a diagnosis by the time they are 2 years old. People with no symptoms may not realize that they are carriers until they have a child with thalassemia. Blood tests can detect if a person is a carrier or if they have thalassemia.

Does thalassemia minor affect periods?

Puberty may be delayed or progress abnormally in teenagers with thalassemia, due to iron build up impairing the function of the pituitary gland. This may lead to complications such as: Absence of menstruation, known as amenorrhea.

How long can a thalassemia patient live?

“Most thalassaemia patients would live up to the age of 25 to 30 years. Improved facilities will help them live up to the age of 60,” said Dr Mamata Manglani, head of pediatrics, Sion hospital.

Is thalassemia minor serious?

Thalassemia minor is a less serious form of the disorder. There are two main forms of thalassemia that are more serious. In alpha thalassemia, at least one of the alpha globin genes has a mutation or abnormality. In beta thalassemia, the beta globin genes are affected.

What is the main cause of thalassemia?

Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the DNA of cells that make hemoglobin — the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout your body. The mutations associated with thalassemia are passed from parents to children.

Can thalassemia cause hair loss?

Skin and hair may receive less oxygen from the blood during iron deficiency, causing them to become dry and damaged. In more severe cases, this may lead to hair loss.

What are the chances of getting thalassemia?

• A child of two carriers has a 25 percent chance of receiving two trait genes and developing the disease, and a 50 percent chance of being a thalassemia trait carrier. Most individuals with alpha thalassemia have milder forms of the disease, with varying degrees of anemia.

What foods are good for thalassemia?

• Liver tonics that are sweet and oily are best for thalassemia minor, especially coconut. Favor cooling summer berries like blueberries and strawberries. Mild bitters like well cooked kale cooked with coconut oil help flush liver toxicity without draining the liver of strength (ojas).

How long can you live with thalassemia?

• Beta thalassemia intermedia also have a normal life span with proper treatment and management of beta thalassemia. The average life expectancy of a person with beta thalassemia major is about 17 years, most of the time by the age of 30 they die due to iron overload causing cardiac complications.