What is Mediterranean anemia?
What is Mediterranean anemia? The gene for beta thalassemia is not evenly distributed among peoples. It is, for example, relatively more frequent in people of Italian and Greek origin, both of which are peoples from the Mediterranean. Because of this, thalassemia major has been called Mediterranean anemia.
What are the symptoms of Mediterranean anemia?
Symptoms
- Fatigue.
- Weakness.
- Pale or yellowish skin.
- Facial bone deformities.
- Slow growth.
- Abdominal swelling.
- Dark urine.
How is Mediterranean anemia treated?
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 anemia is associated with a Mediterranean ethnicity?
Traits for thalassemia are more common in people from Mediterranean countries, like Greece and Turkey, and in people from Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. If you have anemia and you also have family members from these areas, your doctor might test your blood further to find out if you have thalassemia.
What is another name for Mediterranean anemia?
Mediterranean anemia: Better known today as thalassemia (or as beta thalassemia or thalassemia major).
What should I eat if I have thalassemia?
Nutrition is very important for many, especially those with thalassemia. Individuals are encouraged to eat a balanced diet consisting of protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables and may need to pay extra attention to ensure not getting high amounts of iron through their diet.
At what age is thalassemia detected?
Most children with moderate to severe thalassemia receive a diagnosis by the time they are 2 years old. People with no symptoms may not realize that they are carriers until they have a child with thalassemia. Blood tests can detect if a person is a carrier or if they have thalassemia.
The most common symptoms of Mediterranean anemia are fatigue and weakness due to the lack of oxygen being distributed throughout the body. Sufferers of the disorder may also experience shortness of breath, unusual paleness, or a yellowing of the skin called jaundice.
What is the treatment for Mediterranean anemia?
Treatments for Mediterranean Anemia (Beta thalassemia) include: Mild cases may require no treatment. Regular blood transfusions are required in more severe cases. Blood transfusions, removal (chelation) of iron buildup in body due to blood transfusion, folic acid supplements, surgical removal of spleen or stem cell transplant.
What is the Mediterranean blood disease?
Thalassemia (Mediterranean anemia) is a hereditary blood disease commonly seen in those of Mediterranean origin. It emerges with a mutation in the hemoglobin in the red blood cells as a result of gene disruptions.
What is the classification of anemia?
Anemia can also be classified based on the size of the red blood cells and amount of hemoglobin in each cell. If the cells are small, it is called microcytic anemia; if they are large, it is called macrocytic anemia; and if they are normal sized, it is called normocytic anemia.