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What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder which causes your body to have less haemoglobin than normal. Haemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen. This condition can cause anaemia, which can leave the infected person feeling fatigued.
If a person has mild thalassemia, treatment may not be needed, but severe forms of this disorder might require regular blood transfusions.

Thalassemia Causes of Thalassemia

Thalassemia is caused by DNA mutations of cells that make haemoglobin. These mutations are passed from parents to children.

Signs and Symptoms of Thalassemia

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Facial bone deformities
• Slow growth
• Abdominal swelling
• Dark urine

Types of Thalassemia

Haemoglobin molecules are made up of chains known as alpha and beta chains which can be affected by mutations. In this disorder, production of either alpha or beta chains is reduced, which results in alpha-thalassemia or beta-thalassemia.

Alpha-Thalassemia

Alpha haemoglobin chain is made by four genes, with two being given from each parent. If you have:
One mutated gene: you will have no signs or symptoms of thalassemia, but you are a carrier and can pass it on to your children
Two mutated genes: you will have mild signs and symptoms. This condition is also called alpha-thalassemia trait
Three mutated genes: you will have moderate to severe signs and symptoms
Inheriting four mutated genes is rare and usually results in stillbirth.

Beta-Thalassemia

Beta haemoglobin is made of two genes, with one gene being given from each parent. If you have:

One mutated gene: you will have mild signs and symptoms. This condition is also called beta-thalassemia or thalassemia minor
Two mutated genes: you will have moderate to severe signs and symptoms. This conditions is called thalassemia major or Cooley anaemia
Babies born with two mutated beta haemoglobin genes are healthy at birth but can develop signs and symptoms within the first two years of life. Thalassemia intermedia, a milder form can also result from two mutated genes.

Risk Factors for Thalassemia

Family history of thalassemia: it is passed from parents to children through mutated haemoglobin genes
Certain ancestry: it occurs most often in African Americans and in people of Mediterranean and Southeast Asian descent

Complications of Thalassemia

Iron overload: people with thalassemia can get too much iron in their bodies, either because of the disease or from getting frequent blood transfusions. Too much iron can damage the heart, liver and endocrine system
Infection: people with thalassemia have an increased risk of infection, especially if you have gotten your spleen removed
Bone deformities: this disorder can make your bone marrow expand, which then causes your bones to widen. This can then result in abnormal bone structure, especially in the skull and face. This expansion of bone marrow makes bones brittle, which increases the chance of broken bones
Enlarged spleen: the spleen helps the body fight infection and filter unwanted material, like old or damaged blood cells. Thalassemia causes the destruction of a large number of red blood cells which causes the spleen to enlarge
Slowed growth rates: anaemia can slow down a child's growth and delay puberty
Heart problems: severe thalassemia is associated with congestive heart failure and abnormal heart rhythms

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Thalassemia

������Դ offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Thalassemia by using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.
Dietary Adjustments: Avoid consumption of iron-rich food and try to eat simple and light meals which won’t put extra pressure on the body.
Lifestyle Modifications: Stress management, regular exercise, adequate rest and sleep, and avoidance of environmental toxins are important factors to take care of.
Meditation and Yoga: Asanas like Yastikasana, Ardha Matsyendrasana, Parvatasana, Gomukhasana, Trikonasana and Marjariasana help ease the symptoms of Thalassemia.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Thalassemia

Ayurveda is the traditional system of medicine of India and includes the usage of herbs for rebalancing the energies in the body and improving overall health. In cases of blood-related diseases such as Thalassemia, specific Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on improving bone density and contributing towards better bone health. Listed below are some recommended Ayurvedic herbs which can help in managing Thalassemia:
Ashwagandha: it helps boost red blood cell production and strengthens the immune system.
Guduchi: it has adaptogenic properties which may help in coping with stress and support overall well-being.
Turmeric: it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties and potent antioxidants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How to detect Thalassemia?

It can be detected via blood and genetic tests, such as complete blood count, special haemoglobin tests and genetic testing.

What food should not be eaten if a person has thalassemia?

Avoid red meat, seafood, iron-rich foods and vitamin C foods.

When can thalassemia be detected?

Thalassemia can be detected during pregnancy, soon after birth, or at any time through a blood test. It is best to get tested for it before 10 weeks of pregnancy.