Alpha Thalassemia (cont.)
What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Thalassemias?
Signs and symptoms of thalassemias are due to lack of oxygen in the
bloodstream. This occurs because the body doesn't make enough healthy red blood
cells and hemoglobin. The severity of symptoms depends on the severity of the
disorder.
No Symptoms
Alpha thalassemia silent carriers generally have no signs or symptoms of the
disorder. This is because the lack of alpha globin protein is so small that
hemoglobin works normally.
Mild Anemia
People who have alpha or beta thalassemia trait can have mild
anemia.
However, many people with this type of thalassemia have no signs or symptoms.
Mild anemia can make you feel tired. It's often mistaken for iron-deficiency
anemia.
Mild to Moderate Anemia and Other Signs and Symptoms
People with beta thalassemia intermedia have mild to moderate anemia. They
also may have other health problems, such as:
- Slowed growth and delayed
puberty. Anemia can slow down a child's growth and
development.
- Bone problems. Thalassemia may make
bone marrow (the spongy material inside
bones that makes blood cells) expand. This causes wider bones than normal. Bones
also may be brittle and break easily.
- An enlarged spleen. The spleen is
an organ that helps your body fight infection and remove unwanted material. When a person has a thalassemia, the
spleen has to work very hard. As a result, the spleen becomes larger than
normal. This makes anemia worse. If the spleen becomes too large, it must be
removed.
Severe Anemia and Other Signs and Symptoms
People with hemoglobin H disease or beta thalassemia major (also called
Cooley's anemia) have severe thalassemia. Signs and symptoms occur within the
first 2 years of life. They may include severe anemia and other serious health
problems, such as:
- Pale and listless appearance
- Poor appetite
- Dark urine
- Slowed growth and delayed puberty
- Jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes)
- Enlarged spleen, liver, and
heart
- Bone problems (especially bones in the face)
Next: What are the complications of thalassemias? »
- folic acid-oral, FA-8 - Consumer information about the medication FOLIC ACID - ORAL (FA-8), includes side effects, drug interactions, recommended dosages, and storage information. Read more about the prescription drug FOLIC ACID - ORAL.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC) - A complete blood count (CBC) measures the concentration of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets in the blood and aids in the diagnosis of conditions and diseases such as anemia, malignancies, and immune disorders.
- Gallstones - Learn about gallstones symptoms like biliary colic, constant pain in the middle of the upper abdomen, or right upper abomen accompanied by nausea. Causes and treatment information is also included.
Latest Medical News
Interactive Slideshows