How is minor thalassemia diagnosed?
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.
What is the treatment for thalassemia minor?
People with thalassemia minor or trait usually do not need blood transfusions because they either do not have anemia or have only a mild anemia. Many times people with thalassemia are prescribed a supplemental B vitamin, known as folic acid, to help treat anemia. Folic acid can help red blood cells develop.
What tests are done to diagnose thalassemia?
Doctors diagnose thalassemias using blood tests, including a complete blood count (CBC) and special hemoglobin tests.
- A CBC measures the amount of hemoglobin and the different kinds of blood cells, such as red blood cells, in a sample of blood.
- Hemoglobin tests measure the types of hemoglobin in a blood sample.
Is thalassemia minor curable?
Bone marrow and stem cell transplant from a compatible related donor is the only treatment to cure thalassemia.
Is thalassemia minor normal?
Persons with thalassemia minor have (at most) mild anemia (slight lowering of the hemoglobin level in the blood). This situation can very closely resemble that with mild iron-deficiency anemia. However, persons with thalassemia minor have a normal blood iron level (unless they are iron deficient for other reasons).
Is minor thalassemia curable?
What is minor thalassemia?
Overview. Thalassemia (thal-uh-SEE-me-uh) is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than normal. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued. If you have mild thalassemia, you might not need treatment.
Can thalassemia minor be cured?
Can thalassemia be cured? A bone marrow transplant from a compatible sibling offers the best chance at a cure for thalassemia. Unfortunately, most people with thalassemia lack a suitable sibling donor. Also, a bone marrow transplant is a high-risk procedure that may result in severe complications, including death.
How long do thalassemia minor patients live?
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.
What happens if you have thalassemia minor?
Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued. If you have mild thalassemia, you might not need treatment. But more severe forms might require regular blood transfusions. You can take steps to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.
Is thalassemia minor life long?
mild form of the disease, thalassemia minor, there is usually only slight or no anemia, and life expectancy is normal.
What food should be avoided in thalassemia minor?
Fruits/Vegetables that should be avoided or eliminated from the diet:
- prune juice.
- prunes.
- watermelon.
- spinach.
- leafy green vegetables.
- dates.
- raisins.
- broccoli.
What are the side effects of thalassemia minor?
Symptoms
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Pale or yellowish skin.
- Facial bone deformities.
- Slow growth.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Dark urine.
Does thalassemia minor make you tired?
What are the do and donts for thalassemia minor?
Dizziness
What is the best treatment for thalassemia?
Your age,overall health,and medical history
What supplements can you take for thalassemia minor?
– Tiredness – Pallor – Shortness of breath – Dizziness – Headache – Cold hands and feet – Chest pain – Poor appetite – Dark urine – Arrhythmias
Is thalassemia minor a fatal problem?
Thalassemia minor is not a fatal condition. Other types of thalassemia may create moderate to severe symptoms depending upon the type. RBCs perform an important function of carrying oxygen to all the cells in our body. The cells use this oxygen as food to function properly.