The Different Types of Thalassemia and How is Diagnosed

Thalassemia is basically a name for similar groups of inherited blood diseases that involve missing or abnormal genes regarding the protein in hemoglobin which is the red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. I will discuss the different types of Thalassemia, how Thalassemia is diagnosed, and the treatments available. I will also discuss the complications and side effects of the treatments, the disease’s causes and effects, and how it is more dominant in some parts of the world than others. Thalassemia is a blood disorder which means the body makes fewer healthy red blood cells and less hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body and having less hemoglobin leads to anemia. Alpha globin and beta†¦show more content†¦Abnormalities on one or both of the genes cause the disorder. The strength of the condition is determined by the damage of the mutation gene in the body and the amount of beta globin genes that carry a mutation called Thalassemia minor, which is also known by a Thalassemia trait. The Thalassemia trait is caused by a missing or abnormality on only one beta globin gene. Diseased individuals generally have no symptoms, though some may develop a mild anemia. However, they can pass the abnormal gene to their children. Thalassemia Intermediate is when both beta globin genes become mutated. These gene abnormalities are less dangerous than Thalassemia major gene abnormalities mostly. These individuals usually have mild to moderate anemia and they develop some of the complications seen in Thalassemia major, such as bone abnormalities or an enlarged spleen. Many affected people require more frequent blood transfusions in order to reduce the risk of complications. Thalassemia major is arguably the most severe form and is the product of damaging mutations on both beta globin protein genes. It also is commonly known by Cooleys anemia, named after the doctor who first identified it in 1925. Most affecte d individuals appear healthy at birth. However, during the first year or two of life, they become have a poor appetite and become pale. They do not growShow MoreRelatedAfrican American Parents With The Sickle Cell Trait1524 Words   |  7 Pagesgreatest risk of passing Sickle Cell Anemia to their offspring. In this article, sickle cell anemia is defined as a hereditary disease that destroys red blood cells by causing them take on an elongated and rigid sickle shape. In addition, a different type of hemoglobin called Hemoglobin S, is the protein in red blood cells that carry oxygen throughout the body. This protein starts to wrap around other red blood cells when oxygen is lacking to form a helical shape. 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