Thalassemia The Symptoms & Treatments
                     
Normal amount of Red Blood cells Less amount of Red Blood cells
Thalassemias are a heterogeneous group of genetically transmitted disorders characterized 
by anaemia, jaundice, and increased size of liver and spleen. Anaemia, the hallmark symptom 
is due to premature destruction of red blood cells in the bone marrow for the defective 
haemoglobin they synthesize and possess, a direct impact of the faulty genes. 
Symptoms of Thalassemia
While some will show signs of thalassemia at birth, others may only develop them after two 
years or even later. Some signs may appear well into their childhood or adolescence. It’s 
possible that the symptoms of thalassemia are not even noticed because they aren’t always 
visible. However, some common signs include:
 Bone deformities, mainly in the face
 Dark urine
 A delay in growth and development
 Extreme fatigue and dizziness
 Pain in the chest
 Rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath
 Yellow or pale skin
Treating Thalassemia
Severely affected ones are called Major and require a frequent and regular blood transfusion 
to survive along with regular and adequate excess iron chelation therapy. If these therapies 
are instituted sufficiently early and followed regularly with proper monitoring, they mature to 
adulthood, leading socially and economically productive lives. 
Unfortunately, there’s no easy cure. 
The disorder can be prevented if partners do get tested for Thalassaemia carrier status, and if 
both are carrying one defective gene, they either should not get married or prefer to 
undertake pre-natal diagnostic procedures, to determine the status of the unborn and then 
take an informed decision. 
Cure till date is only possible via haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Umbilical cord 
blood derived haematopoietic stem cells have emerged as able and successful alternatives to 
bone marrow and peripheral blood derived haematopoietic stem cells transplantation. It’s 
possibly the best option for couples who are with a single child suffering from Thalassaemia.
Thank You
To Know more About Stem Cell Banking visit cordlifeindia.com or
Toll Free Hotline: 1800 121 6200 
Source: https://www.cordlifeindia.com/blog/thalassemia-symptoms-treatments/