Thalassemia
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Thalassemia Treatment in Bangalore
Dr. Neema Bhat is a well-known hematologist in Bangalore, who specializes in the treatment of thalassemia. She has years of experience in managing thalassemia and other blood disorders and is affiliated with several top hospitals in Bangalore. As a hematologist for thalassemia treatment in Bangalore, Dr. Neema Bhat provides comprehensive care to patients with thalassemia.
Her expertise includes diagnosing thalassemia, evaluating the severity of the disease, and determining the appropriate treatment plan. She is also well-versed in the latest treatment options for thalassemia, including blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and bone marrow transplantation.
If you or a loved one has thalassemia and you’re looking for expert hematologist care in Bangalore, you can contact or visit the website to learn more about her practice and the services she provides.
What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body’s tissues. Thalassemia is caused by mutations in genes that produce hemoglobin, resulting in a reduced amount of hemoglobin in the blood and a reduction in the number of red blood cells. This can lead to anemia, fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms.
There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Alpha thalassemia affects the alpha-globin genes, while beta thalassemia affects the beta-globin genes. The severity of thalassemia can vary, from mild anemia to severe anemia which requires regular blood transfusions.
Thalassemia is most common in people of Mediterranean, African, or Southeast Asian ancestry. It is usually diagnosed in childhood and can be managed with regular blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy to remove excess iron from the body, and folic acid supplements. In some cases, bone marrow transplantation may be required.
It’s important for individuals with a family history of thalassemia to undergo genetic counseling and testing to determine their risk of passing the condition on to their children. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent complications and improve the quality of life for individuals with thalassemia.
Causes of Thalassemia
Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. There are several types of thalassemia, including alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia, which are caused by mutations in different genes.
The primary cause of thalassemia is a genetic defect that affects the production of hemoglobin. This defect is passed from parent to child through the genes. In most cases, a person inherits two copies of the defective gene, one from each parent. If a person inherits only one copy of the defective gene, they may be a carrier of the condition but will not have symptoms.
Risk factors for thalassemia include a family history of the condition, being of Mediterranean, Southeast Asian, African, or Middle Eastern descent, and living in an area where thalassemia is common.
In summary, thalassemia is caused by genetic mutations that affect the production of hemoglobin, and it is passed down from parent to child through their genes.
Symptoms of Thalassemia
The symptoms of thalassemia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Some common symptoms include:
- Anemia: Thalassemia can cause anemia, which is a condition characterized by low levels of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. This can lead to fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
- Pale skin: People with thalassemia may have paler skin due to the decreased levels of red blood cells in the blood.
- Jaundice: Thalassemia can cause jaundice, a yellowing of the skin and eyes, due to an increase in the level of bilirubin in the blood.
- Abdominal Swelling: Some people with thalassemia may experience abdominal swelling due to an enlarged spleen, which is a common complication of the condition.
- Delayed Growth and Puberty: Thalassemia can cause delayed growth and puberty in children.
- Bone Deformities: Thalassemia can also cause bone deformities, especially in the face, due to the accumulation of excess iron in the bones.
- Dark Urine: People with thalassemia may also have dark-colored urine due to the increased levels of hemoglobin in the urine.
It’s important to note that the symptoms of thalassemia can be mild or severe, and they can vary greatly from person to person. In severe cases, thalassemia can be life-threatening and may require regular blood transfusions and other treatments.
Treatment for Thalassemia
Treatment for thalassemia depends on the type and severity of the condition, but it generally involves managing the symptoms and complications of the disease. Some common treatment options for thalassemia include:
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Blood transfusions: Thalassemia patients may require regular blood transfusions to replace the deficient red blood cells. This can help alleviate symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath.
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Iron chelation therapy: Regular blood transfusions can lead to iron overload in the body, which can cause organ damage over time. Iron chelation therapy involves taking medication to remove excess iron from the body.
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Folic acid supplements: Thalassemia patients may benefit from taking folic acid supplements to support red blood cell production and prevent anemia.
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Bone marrow transplantation: For some patients with severe thalassemia, bone marrow transplantation may be a potential cure. This procedure involves replacing the patient’s bone marrow with healthy donor cells.
It is important to work closely with a healthcare provider who specializes in thalassemia to develop an individualized treatment plan based on the patient’s specific needs and medical history.
If you are looking for a hematologist in Bangalore who can provide treatment for thalassemia, Dr. Neema Bhat is a well-known hematologist in the area. She practices at Apollo Hospitals in Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore, and has expertise in the diagnosis and management of various blood disorders, including thalassemia. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Neema Bhat, to know more.
