Question 1

do environmental factors play a role in the progression of beta-thalassemia?

Accepted Answer

No, but. . .: Environmental factors generally do not play a role in beta thalassemia. However, a patient can be worsened by conditions that typically worsen anemia, such as dietary iron deficiency, other nutrient deficiencies (such as folate (folic acid) or vitamin b12), lead poisoning, or infections with viruses that can cause anemia (such as parvovirus b19). Vacationing at high altitudes may cause symptoms of low oxygen.

Question 2

if a girl with g6pd want to marry someone with with thalasemia what are the risk factors of having kids? is it bad?

Accepted Answer

How severe?: Thal minor and mild G6PD deficiency are both very minor and very common clinical problems. If you're in love, then I'm happy for you both.

Question 3

how common is thalassemia?

Accepted Answer

Millions of carriers: Thalassemia is one of the most common gene mutations in the world. Overall, an estimated 20-25 million people are carriers (1/300) (about 1/1000 in low-risk peoples, and about 1/30 in high-risk peoples). Low risk: japanese, korean, n. European caucasians, native canadians, native americans. High risk: mediterranean, middle eastern, south asian, south-east Asian (western pacific rim), caribbean.

Question 4

what exactly is thalassemia?

Accepted Answer

See below: Thalassemia is a blood disorder passed down through families (inherited) in which the body makes an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anemia.

Question 5

how is thalassemia inherited?

Accepted Answer

From Mom and/or Dad: Alpha thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or more of the 4 genes that code for (holds the dna for) Alpha globulin, which is needed to make hemoglobin for new red blood cells. Beta thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or both of the 2 beta globulin genes. Mom and/or dad can carry the mutations. A child can inherit a mutation from mom, from dad, or from both mom and dad.

Question 6

how is thalassemia diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

Blood tests: Thalassemia is diagnosed by blood tests: routine blood counts, hemoglobin electrophoresis to find out the types of hemoglobin one has in one's blood, and dna analysis to try to see if certain mutations are present.

Question 7

how was thalassemia discovered?

Accepted Answer

Microscope: Thalassemia causes microcytic anemia - tiny red blood cells.

Question 8

what does thalassemia mean exactly?

Accepted Answer

Start with this link: There are several types.  This is a good starting resource.
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000587.htm

Question 9

who should get tested for thalassemia?

Accepted Answer

Anemia: Patients who have a certain type of anemia that is not caused by iron deficiency could have thalassemia. If the anemia is severe and unexplained by other causes your doctor may wish to obtain a hemoglobin electrophoresis test for thalassemia.

Question 10

what happens when you have thalassemia?

Accepted Answer

Trouble making blood: Alpha thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or more of the 4 genes that code for (holds the dna for) Alpha globulin, which is needed to make hemoglobin for new red blood cells. Beta thalassemia is caused by a mutation in one or both of the 2 beta globulin genes. Persons with thalassemia have less or little ability to make Alpha and/or beta globulin, so they can't make enough red blood cells.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Is gender a factor in thalassemia

A member asked:

Do environmental factors play a role in the progression of beta-thalassemia?

A member asked:

If a girl with g6pd want to marry someone with with thalasemia what are the risk factors of having kids? is it bad?

A member asked:

How common is thalassemia?

A member asked:

What exactly is thalassemia?

A member asked:

How is thalassemia inherited?

A member asked:

How is thalassemia diagnosed?

A member asked:

How was thalassemia discovered?

A member asked:

What does thalassemia mean exactly?

A member asked:

Who should get tested for thalassemia?

A member asked:

What happens when you have thalassemia?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?