Thalassemia is a serious genetic blood disorder that directly affects the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in our body. It is not an infectious or contagious disease; Rather, it is passed from parents to their children through faulty genes. Millions of people around the world are suffering from this disease, yet there is a huge lack of awareness about it. To overcome this deficiency and promote timely detection, ‘World Thalassemia Day’ is celebrated every year on 8 May. On this special occasion, let us know about the symptoms of this serious disease and some important facts related to it.
What is Thalassemia?
There is a protein in our body called hemoglobin, which is found in red blood cells and works to deliver oxygen throughout the body. In thalassemia, the body loses the ability to make normal hemoglobin. When the body cannot make enough hemoglobin protein, the life span of red blood cells is reduced and they die prematurely. As a result, there is a severe shortage of healthy red blood cells in the body – known as ‘anemia’. The severity of anemia depends on the type of thalassemia the person has.
What are the symptoms of Thalassemia?
Symptoms of Thalassemia may vary from person to person. In some children, symptoms appear at birth, while in others, they develop during the first two years of life. However, there are some people who do not show any symptoms despite having thalassemia.
In severe cases of thalassemia, the following symptoms may be seen:
**Extreme Fatigue:** Due to lack of oxygen in the body, the patient feels constantly tired.
**Weakness:** Feeling lack of energy and physical weakness even while doing small tasks.
**Change in skin color:** Yellowing of the skin, or jaundice like symptoms appearing in the eyes and skin. Changes in facial bones – Thalassemia can cause abnormal changes or structural problems in the facial bones.
**Slow growth:** Affected children may develop more slowly in physical development and height than other children.
**Abdominal swelling:** Abnormal swelling or bloated feeling in the lower abdomen.
**Dark colored urine:** The color of urine is darker than normal.
**Loss of appetite:** Disinterest in eating or significant loss of appetite.
