Symptoms of Thalassemia
- People with thalassemia major may experience the following:
- Paleness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Jaundice
- Spleen enlargement
Diagnosis of Thalassemia
The diagnosis of thalassemia trait and thalassemia major is made from microscopic examination of the blood, which shows many small, pale red blood cells, and from other blood tests that show reduced levels of adult hemoglobin in the blood.
Treatment of ThalassemiaThalassemia trait
Normally, there are no treatments recommended. However, the doctor may suggest taking iron medication if they feel it is necessary.
Thalassemia major
The primary treatment is regular blood transfusions, usually every four weeks. In addition to the blood transfusions, doctors recommend injections of Desferal to help the body flush out the extra iron created by the new blood. The injections are given under the skin from a small pump 5 to 7 nights a week.
Additionally, splenectomy (removal of the spleen), bone marrow transplants and chelation therapy are being researched as possible treatments for thalassemia.
Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Thalassemia
How can having the thalassemia trait affect a person's life?Children's lives?
Do you recommend genetic counseling if a couple is planning on having children?
Is a thalassemia carrier more likely to get other diseases?
Is a thalassemia carrier physically or mentally weak?
Can thalassemia trait turn into thalassemia major?