Causes of Thalassemia

Thalassemia affects millions of people worldwide, mostly from places such as India, the Middle East, and North Africa where consanguineous marriages are quite common. Treatment varies according to the severity of the disease. People with a mild form of the condition don’t require any treatment however when the intensity of the condition is severe, blood transfusions are required regularly. This can affect the person’s ability to lead a normal life.  Find out about its causes in this blog and how mobile phlebotomy services Baltimore can help expedite the testing process.

Genetics to Blame

Due to Thalassemia, beta and alpha chains in hemoglobin get affected, which leads to beta-thalassemia or alpha-thalassemia. The inherited blood disorder is passed down to children from their parents who are carriers and can cause a range of effects on a person’s body.

Due to the condition, less hemoglobin is produced in the body. The protein is a vital component of red blood cells and helps transport oxygen throughout the body. It is also responsible for removing carbon dioxide from the cells.. 

People with severe thalassemia need to get blood transfusions done regularly. However, they need to stay mindful of the fact that excessive blood transfusions can cause iron overload that is harmful for the endocrine system, liver, and heart. 

Complications of Thalassemia

Thalassemia patients are at a higher risk of bone deformities and infections. The disease can make the bones brittle and thin, increasing the risk of fractures. Such people also develop an enlarged spleen that cannot effectively regulate the destruction of damaged blood cells. In some cases, doctors might even recommend spleen removal surgery. Children with thalassemia experience delayed puberty and slower growth.

Signs to Look Out For

Some children show symptoms of the disease when they are born while in others, these start manifesting in a couple of years. Look out for signs such as dark urine, heart problems, weak appetite, and physical weakness.

Genetic Testing is Critical

With thalassemia carrier screening, you can ensure that your offspring does not have this lifelong affliction. If you or your child do have the disease, then blood transfusions and iron chelation therapy can help mitigate the dangers of iron overload.

Reliable Routine Blood Testing in Northern Virginia

At Phlebotomy on Wheels, we are a reputable mobile blood testing company that provides services across Northern Virginia, Maryland, and Washington DC. Our professional staff goes the extra mile to offer convenient home blood Draw services VA, saliva testing, breath testing as well as pregnancy and paternity tests. 

We also provide commercial mobile lab services to businesses looking to help their employees manage their health. See what our customers have to say about us here.

Book an appointment with us today.