World Thalassemia Day: Significance, Events, Support, And Issues

World Thalassemia Day is observed on May 8 in solidarity with people suffering from Thalassemia across the globe. The day is commemorated to honor the difficulties victims face and reassure them that they are not alone in their fight against the disease. The theme for Thalassemia Day this year is ‘Be Aware. Share. Care: Working with the global community to improve thalassemia knowledge.’

Thalassemia Is An Inherited Blood Disorder

Thalassemia is essentially an inherited blood disorder, and the disease causes the Hb or hemoglobin levels in the body to drop dangerously. The hemoglobin functions as an oxygen carrier of the body. The fall in Hemoglobin leaves the body oxygen-starved, and fatigue, shortness of breath, weakness, and cold hands and feet are the outcome of the condition.

Experts opine that vegetarianism aggravates the risk faced by Thalassemia patients in India. Yash Vardhan Swami, nutritionist and health expert, said that Iron is an essential component of Hemoglobin. Therefore, vegetarian sources of Iron or Non-heme Iron are not absorbed properly in the body. On the other hand, heme iron sources like poultry, fish, and meat are good sources of Iron since the body quickly absorbs them.

Two Types Of Thalassemia

There are two types of Thalassemia, and the symptoms of the disease depend a lot on the kind of Thalassemia. The two types are –alpha and beta types of Thalassemia.

The condition is caused by a mutation in the DNA, which is the code by which the body produces specific proteins. In Thalassemia, the section of DNA which deals with making Hemoglobin is affected. These mutations are passed on to the children from their parents.

Hemoglobin is composed of chains of alpha and beta cells, which are affected by the mutations in the DNA. The severity of the disease depends upon the number of mutations, and the higher the mutations, the more severe your Thalassemia. The beta-thalassemia depends upon which part of the Hemoglobin is affected.

Prevention

Thalassemia is an inherited condition and hence cannot be prevented. However, if a person has a Thalassemia gene, he can take the advice of a genetic counselor, especially if they want children. Techniques are available to screen embryos with a genetic mutation. Combining with in vitro fertilization could help parents with Thalassemia to have children.