World Thalassaemia Day 2020

World Thalassemia Day-

World Thalassaemia Day 2020: What is Thalassaemia? Symptoms, causes, treatment and much more

​​Introduction:

World Thalassemia Day is celebrated every year on May 8th to commemorate Thalassemia victims. This day tries to create awareness about the disease and help thalassemia patients lead a healthy life despite the burden of the disease.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, World Thalassaemia Day 2020 will be celebrated through different online activities. The theme for International Thalassaemia Day 2020 is - 'The dawning of a new era for thalassemia,' which states that it is time for a global effort to make novel therapies accessible and affordable to patients.

It is a  blood disorder involving lower-than-normal amounts of an oxygen-carrying protein, which is hemoglobin in which too few or too many globin chains are synthesized. It comes into the category of an autosomal recessive genetic disorder, which can occur in both males and females. It is caused due to mutations in the genes related to chromosomes 11 and 16.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less oxygen-carrying protein (hemoglobin) and fewer red blood cells in the body than usual. 

Due to fewer RBCs and hemoglobin, the oxygen requirement is not fulfilled (hemoglobin helps in the transportation of oxygen to the body tissues.

Thalassemia is of two types -

1- Alpha Thalassemia-

In this type, no alpha chains are synthesized (you might be thinking how might chains come into the line), actually hemoglobin is made up of 2-alpha and 2-beta chains, which are the essential structural (quaternary) proteins of its molecule and in its center a Fe +2 ion.

So in alpha thalassemia, there is only and only hemoglobin containing four beta chains that disturb the functioning of hemoglobin, and this hemoglobin does not efficiently bind with oxygen. It is unable to transport oxygen to different body parts.

2-Beta Thalassemia-

In this type of Thalassemia, very few (beta minor) or no beta chains (beta major) are synthesized. This type of Thalassemia is more dangerous as it causes the lysis of the RBCs, which increases the chances of death.

Facts:

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that causes your body to have less hemoglobin than usual. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen.

• Thalassemia can cause anemia, leaving you fatigued.
• Mild Thalassemia may not need treatment.
• More severe forms may require regular blood transfusions.
• You can take steps to cope with fatigue, such as choosing a healthy diet and exercising regularly.​

Symptoms include-

• Weakness
• Pale skin
• Bone deformities
• Dark urine
• Constant fatigue
• Slow growth
• Abdominal swelling

Treatment-

Mild Thalassemia may not any require treatment, but people with severe Thalassemia require regular blood transfusions to cope up or a donor stem-cell transplant. Medicines and supplements are also necessary for a healthy life.

Living with Thalassemia

Thalassemia patients experience slow growth due to low hemoglobin levels and anemia. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain a healthy diet. Also, stay connected with your doctor regularly for medication and supplements to avoid complications. Generally, the patients of Thalassemia are advised not to do laborious work, which may cause them fatigue.

Objectives:

• Raising awareness on Thalassemia, its symptoms, and ways to live with it.
• Raising awareness on the importance of consulting a doctor before marriage if a person has Thalassemia.
• Raising awareness on the importance of vaccinations for children's health, society, and the whole world.
• Redressing misconceptions about vaccinations.

Disclaimer: This content, including advice, provides general information only. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more details. The blog owner does not claim responsibility for this information.