- Treatment of Thalassemia Minor
- Treatment of Intermediate Thalassemia
- Treatment of Thalassemia Major
- Complications
Thalassemia is hereditary, has no cure and has several types. Its treatment is done according to the severity of the disease, but the main form of control when anemia is very strong is blood transfusion.
Thalassemia, also known as Mediterranean anemia, is a hereditary blood disease that causes anemia, as an abnormal production of hemoglobin occurs, a substance that gives blood red color and is responsible for transporting oxygen to cells. See the types of thalassemia.
See how treatment is done according to each type of disease.
Treatment of Thalassemia Minor
This is the mildest type of the disease and does not require specific treatment. In general, the patient does not experience symptoms, but must be aware of the worsening of anemia in cases such as surgery, serious illnesses such as cancer, situations of high stress or during pregnancy.
In general, your doctor may recommend using folic acid supplements, a vitamin that stimulates blood cell production and helps to relieve anemia. See foods rich in folic acid.
Treatment of Intermediate Thalassemia
It is an intermediate form of the disease, and some patients can develop severe symptoms of anemia, it is important to monitor hemoglobin and iron in the blood, having blood tests annually.
In general, treatment is done with blood transfusions only during childhood, if the child has growth retardation, or in situations where the spleen and liver grow, which can cause complications such as diabetes and heart disease.
Treatment of Thalassemia Major
It is the most serious form of the disease and the patient needs to receive blood transfusions throughout his life, every 2 to 4 weeks, depending on the level of anemia. The sooner treatment is started, the less complications the disease will have for the patient in the future.
In addition, it is also necessary to take iron chelating drugs, which will bind to the iron in the body and prevent its excess. These medications can be given directly into the vein 5 to 7 times a week or through pills.
Patients with thalassemia major end up having excess iron in the body due to blood transfusions and because the intestine absorbs more of this mineral from the diet, in an attempt to solve anemia. However, excess iron can cause diabetes and problems in organs such as the heart and liver.
Complications
Thalassemia complications arise only in the intermediate and severe forms of the disease, especially when it is not treated properly.
In the intermediate form of the disease, complications can be:
- Deformities in bones and teeth; Osteoporosis; Gallbladder stones; Leg ulcers due to lack of oxygen in the extremities of the body; Kidney problems; Higher risk of thrombosis; Heart problems. In severe cases, complications such as bone and bone deformities teeth, enlarged liver and spleen and heart failure.
See how food can help treat thalassemia.
