The Need For Early Diagnosis in Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder.

It occurs at birth. The condition is misdiagnosed as jaundice or any other disorder.

Without proper treatment in childhood, it significantly retards growth.

Treatment during the early years can reduce lifelong complications.

At Aprazer Healthcare (pharmaceutical manufacturer), we believe genetic disorders managed or treated promptly can prevent long –term complications.

Recognizing the symptoms at the earliest eases management enhance cure.

As the leading drug manufacturer, we are focused on developing advanced treatment drugs for chronic disorders.

With our strong global presence, we are a leading drug distributor to major countries.

The forms of Thalassemia –

Mild Thalassemia: It occurs without symptoms, causing mild anemia.

It mimics iron deficiency.

Individuals are prescribed unnecessary iron supplements.

The person does not require any specific treatment.

Moderate Thalassemia-

It is usually diagnosed in adulthood or late childhood.

It is mistaken for chronic weakness.

Untreated thalassemia leads to the formation of gallstones.

Chronic leg ulcers and iron buildup in the organs.

Severe Thalassemia –

In a severe condition, symptoms appear in the first 6 to 24 months.

It inhibits the growth of children.

It distorts the physical structure.

It leads to enlarged organs.

Heart and liver failure.

What are the early symptoms of thalassemia to be traced?

The early symptoms appear at 3 to 6 months of age.

The symptoms become highly pronounced by the age of 2.

• Pale skin, lips, and palms
• Avoidance of taking a feed
• Mild jaundice
• Weak child
• Dark urine
• Abdominal swelling

Symptoms in adulthood-

• Chronic fatigue
• Slow growth
• Delayed puberty
• Frequent infections

How to treat Thalassemia?

Minor thalassemia –

No major surgery or intervention is required.

A person can live a healthy, complication-free life.

It causes mild, borderline anemia.

Symptom monitoring and various wellness strategies are effective to prevent any complications.

Major thalassemia –

It requires surgery like a bone marrow transplant, splenectomy, etc.

Regular blood transfusions are required in moderate to major disease.

Iron supplements are not recommended in thalassemia. Why?

Blood cells in thalassemia mimic iron deficiency.

The blood cells formed are small and very few.

It is caused by the genetic deformity.

Taking iron supplements increases the iron load in the body.

Excess iron damages build up in the organs.

It severely affects the heart, liver, and endocrine glands.

Lifestyle and Dietary support to manage thalassemia-

Avoid unnecessary iron supplements-

It can damage the organs.

Iron supplements must be taken after identifying the exact iron deficiency.

They must be taken upon a doctor’s prescription.

Folic supplements-

It helps build healthy blood cells in the bone marrow.

Proper diet-

Avoid high iron rich diet.

Use vitamin C and calcium-rich foods.

Avoid infections and illnesses –

Severe illness can stress out the bone marrow.

It can sharply reduce hemoglobin levels.

Importance of proper reproductive care and family planning –

The parents must be screened for thalassemia.

A recessive trait in both the parents increases the risk of developing major thalassemia in the newborn.

If one parent has a recessive gene, it is likely the newborn will develop mild conditions.

Alternative pregnancy methods may be utilized.

Aprazer Healthcare is focused on defeating chronic health conditions through timely intervention and treatment.