An inherited blood disease called thalassemia causes the body to manufacture less hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This deficiency can result in anemia, which is frequently characterized by fatigue and weakness. Regular blood transfusions are necessary for treatment in more serious instances. However, because of prevalent misconceptions and misunderstandings about thalassemia, patients are frequently diagnosed and treated late, which increases their risk.

Dr. Madhav Danthala, a bone marrow transplant specialist and consulting hemato-oncologist at Yashoda Hospitals, dispelled a number of misconceptions in an interview with a lifestyle publication.

Thalassemia cannot be avoided, according to myth 1

Truth: Thalassemia can be avoided. Carrier status can be determined via early screening, whether it occurs before marriage or during the first trimester of pregnancy. Couples can make wise reproductive decisions to lower the chance of having a child with thalassemia major if they are informed of their carrier status ahead of time.

Myth 2: People who have thalassemia shouldn't get married

Fact: Carriers have the option to marry, but only after making educated choices. Early antenatal testing (between 8–10 weeks of pregnancy) and genetic counseling are necessary if both partners are carriers. This aids in evaluating the danger to the unborn child and investigating potential solutions.

Myth 3: Children born to carrier parents will always have thalassemia

Fact: There is a 25% probability in every pregnancy, not certainty. Each pregnancy has a 25% risk of thalassemia major, a 50% chance the child will be a carrier, and a 25% chance the child will be unaffected when both parents are carriers. Thalassemia major cannot be passed down to a kid if only one parent is a carrier. Advanced reproductive techniques such as pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-M) and prenatal diagnosis via chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis provide more possibilities.

Myth 4: It is impossible to identify thalassemia

It is possible to correctly identify disease and carrier status. Particularly in those with unexplained microcytic anemia, hemoglobin electrophoresis or high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) can identify carrier status. Additionally, DNA testing can pinpoint particular mutations. Genetic examination of fetal cells enables prenatal diagnosis.

Myth 5: Thalassaemia major has no known cure

Truth: There are efficient therapies and cures available. Treatment for thalassemia major is lifelong and includes routine filtered blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy, and organ health surveillance. Selected patients can also receive curative therapies such bone marrow transplantation and novel gene treatments.

Myth 6: Iron supplements are used to treat all forms of anemia, including thalassemia

In reality, this is a hazardous misunderstanding. Only iron deficiency anemia responds to iron supplementation. Due to iron overload, excessive iron consumption in thalassemia can result in severe consequences. Prior to beginning therapy, an accurate diagnosis is essential. Check out the article as well for Ayurvedic and yogic advice on how to control thalassemia.

Myth 7: Thalassemia is contagious

Thalassemia is not contagious, according to facts. It is a hereditary illness that passes from parents to their offspring; it cannot be transmitted by sharing food, touching someone, or being exposed to bodily fluids.

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