Is alpha thalassemia life threatening?
Missing three alpha thalassemia genes (Hemoglobin H disease): (α-/–), this disease causes health problems and requires treatment by a physician. Missing four genes (Hydrops fetalis): (–/–), this is a life threatening disease.
What causes HbH?
HbH disease is caused by a loss of three of the four alpha-globin alleles. In these two conditions, a shortage of alpha-globin prevents cells from making normal hemoglobin. Instead, cells produce abnormal forms of hemoglobin called hemoglobin Bart (Hb Bart) or hemoglobin H (HbH).
What are the 4 types of alpha thalassemia?
There are 4 types of alpha thalassemia:
- Alpha thalassemia silent carrier. One gene is missing or damaged, and the other 3 are normal. Blood tests are usually normal.
- Alpha thalassemia carrier. Two genes are missing.
- Hemoglobin H disease. Three genes are missing.
- Alpha thalassemia major. All 4 genes are missing.
What are the symptoms of alpha thalassemia?
Some of the more common symptoms of alpha thalassemia include:
- fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath.
- a pale appearance or a yellow color to the skin (jaundice)
- irritability.
- deformities of the facial bones.
- slow growth.
- a swollen abdomen.
- dark urine.
What should I eat if I have alpha thalassemia?
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.
How is HbH diagnosed?
HbH disease should be considered in infants or children with mild-to-moderate microcytic hypochromic hemolytic anemia and hepatosplenomegaly. Heinz bodies can be detected on blood smears after cresyl blue staining. Hb biochemical analysis reveals the presence of HbH (5-30%). Diagnosis is confirmed by genetic testing.
Can you live with alpha thalassemia?
What are the survival rates for alpha thalassemia? Treatment for hemoglobin H has improved, and people with a moderate or severe form of the disorder are living longer with better quality of life. However, health problems caused by alpha thalassemia and its treatment are common and can be serious.
Is coffee bad for thalassemia?
Some foods, such as orange juice, can enhance iron absorption, while others, like tea, dairy and coffee, can decrease absorption. If you are using Desferal, however, it is recommended that you take 250 mg or less of vitamin C after beginning infusion to help increase output of iron.
Some of the more common symptoms of alpha thalassemia include: fatigue, weakness, or shortness of breath. a pale appearance or a yellow color to the skin (jaundice) irritability. deformities of the facial bones. slow growth.
Alpha-Thalassemia is one of the two forms of the life threatening blood disease known as Thalassemia. Read on to know all about its various types, symptoms and possible treatment options.
How do you diagnose thalassemia?
The diagnosis of thalassemia is made through studies such as bone marrow examination, hemoglobin electrophoresis, and iron count. The CBC count and peripheral blood film examination results are usually sufficient to suspect the diagnosis.
What is the difference between thalassemia minor and major?
Thalassemia minor is a mild form of the disease in which the patient inherits only one mutated gene and act as a carrier. Thalassemia major is a severe form of the disease that can cause serious illness. Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders that is characterized by destruction of red blood cells and hemoglobin higher than normal.