Caring for a child with Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood. Thalassemia can be inherited from one or both parents. Thalassemia can cause severe anemia and can lead to serious health complications if left untreated.

In children, thalassemia can be particularly challenging, as it can affect their growth and development, and can require lifelong treatment and management. Here are some important things to know about thalassemia in children:

What are the types of thalassemia?

There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha and beta. Alpha thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that produce alpha-globin, while beta thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that produce beta-globin. Both types of thalassemia can be inherited from one or both parents.

What are the symptoms of thalassemia?

The symptoms of thalassemia in children can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, slow growth, and delayed puberty. Children with severe thalassemia may require blood transfusions to manage their anemia.

Treatment strategies

Treatment for thalassemia in children typically involves regular blood transfusions to replace the deficient hemoglobin. Other treatments may include iron chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body, and bone marrow transplantation in severe cases.

Clear your doubts with the Best Paediatric Haemato Oncologist & Bone Marrow Transplant Physician in Mumbai.

Management

Children with thalassemia require ongoing management and monitoring to ensure that they receive the best possible care. This may include regular check-ups with a hematologist or other healthcare professional, as well as support from a multidisciplinary team of specialists, including nutritionists, social workers, and psychologists.

Consult the Best Paediatric Haematologist in Navi Mumbai.

Genetic Counselling is an important domain in the management and prevention of thalassemia. Genetic counsellors help us to understand the risks of developing a disorder or a disease based on family history and calculate the risk of recurrence. They can counsel parents for an appropriate solution before a child with a rare disease is born. Genomics-based solutions can enable accelerated diagnosis and management of thalassemia.  

Wondering where will you get a genetic counsellor near you?

Apollo Hospitals Navi Mumbai has an advanced Genomics Institute that offers genetic counselling and prevention strategies for all those at-risk and suffering from thalassemia. This is especially important for parents who have children with thalassemia. We also encourage screening tests to help diagnose rare diseases in the early stages.

Talk to our experts for further details on the management of thalassemia.

In conclusion, thalassemia is a complex blood disorder that can have significant impacts on the health and wellbeing of children. With early diagnosis, proper treatment, and ongoing management, children with thalassemia can lead healthy, fulfilling lives. It is important for parents and healthcare professionals to be aware of the symptoms of thalassemia and to seek prompt medical attention if they suspect that a child may be affected.