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.
Is thalassemia a serious disease?
Although the main health problems associated with thalassaemia can often be managed with treatment, it’s still a serious health condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life. Even in mild cases, there’s still a risk you could pass on a more serious type to your children.
What is thalassemia syndrome?
Español (Spanish) Thalassemia is an inherited (i.e., passed from parents to children through genes) blood disorder caused when the body doesn’t make enough of a protein called hemoglobin, an important part of red 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.
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There are 4 types of alpha thalassemia:
- Alpha thalassemia silent carrier.
- Alpha thalassemia carrier.
- Hemoglobin H disease.
- Alpha thalassemia major.
How long is the life of thalassemia patients?
Survival of thalassemia patients
The cumulative survival rate from birth until 10 years old was 99%. After reaching the age of 20 years, 88% of the patients survived until 30 years, 74% survived until 45, 68% survived until 50, and 51% survived until 55 years old.
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.
How long can a thalassemia patient live?
What is the best food for thalassemia patient?
Nutritional deficiencies are common in thalassemia. It is recommended that patients going through blood transfusion should opt for a low iron diet. Avoiding iron-fortified foods like cereal, red meat, green leafy vegetables & Vitamin C-rich foods is the best option for thalassemic patients.
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 they are carriers until they have a child with thalassemia. Blood tests can detect if a person is a carrier of thalassemia or has the condition.
Can thalassemia patients drink milk?
Many factors in thalassaemia promote calcium depletion. A diet containing adequate calcium (e.g. milk, cheese, dairy products and kale) is always recommended.
What foods are not good for thalassemia?
Thalassemia patients should avoid pork, liver, oysters, beans, beef, peanut butter and tofu from their diet. They should also avoid consumption of prunes and prune juice, watermelon, spinach, leafy green veggies, dates, broccoli, raisins and peas.
What fruit is good for thalassemia?
Other food items also included in the special Thalassemia diet are beet, carrots, celery, alfalfa sprouts, turnips, cucumbers, garlic, lettuce, tomatoes, green chilies, potatoes, apples, cranberries, pomegranates, strawberries, pineapples, lemons, and acai berries, among others.
What should not eat in thalassemia?
Which fruit is good for thalassemia?
Is milk good for thalassemia?
Intake of foods rich in folic acid may also help alleviate the signs of thalassemia. Milk is power-packed with essential vitamins and minerals and is an excellent source of calcium. Consumption of milk everyday may help reduce symptoms of thalassemia.
Is Egg good for thalassemia?
Thalassemia patients should have foods rich in Vitamin E like nuts, cereals and eggs. Olive oil can also be consumed in order to increase your consumption of Vitamin E. People suffering from thalassemia can have plenty of foods that are rich in calcium. Calcium also helps in keeping bones strong and healthy.