What do you need to know about beta thalassemia?
Summary Summary. Beta-thalassemia is a blood disorder that reduces the body’s production of hemoglobin. Low levels of hemoglobin lead to a shortage of mature red blood cells and a lack of oxygen in the body. People with beta-thalassemia have anemia, which can cause paleness, weakness, fatigue, and more serious complications.
What causes an enlarged spleen in beta thalassemia?
Splenomegaly can cause low levels of the blood cells (platelets) that allow the blood to clot. An enlarged spleen in individuals with beta thalassemia may occur due to increased destruction of red blood cells, the formation of blood cells outside of the bone marrow (extramedullary hematopoiesis), repeated blood transfusions, or iron overload.
Can a person with beta thalassemia inherit HBB?
In some cases, anemia is worsened if there is a nutritional deficiency such as with iron, folic acid or vitamin B12. Very rarely, the inheritance of beta-thalassemia may be dominant. In this case, a person has only one mutated HBB gene, but has signs and symptoms of beta-thalassemia major or beta-thalassemia intermedia.
Are there blood transfusions for people with thalassemia?
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.
Can a person with thalassemia have low blood count?
Since your body has fewer red blood cells when you have thalassemia, you may have symptoms of a low blood count, or anemia.
How does thalassemia affect the production of hemoglobin?
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that reduces the production of functional hemoglobin (the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen).
How to tell if you have thalassemia intermedia?
Thalassemia intermedia: This type can cause symptoms of moderate to severe anemia including: 1 Extreme tiredness (fatigue) 2 Pale skin 3 Slow or delayed growth 4 Weak bones 5 Enlarged spleen