Is thalassemia trait life threatening?
Is thalassemia trait life threatening?
People with beta thalassemia major have severe symptoms and life-threatening anemia. They need regular blood transfusions and other medical treatment.
Can a person with thalassemia trait donate blood?
Usually, individuals with hemoglobin levels that are too low are temporarily not permitted to donate blood. A low hematocrit level is one of the most common reason people are temporarily disqualified or “deferred” from donating blood, but some donors can actually have anemia and still be eligible to donate.
Is thalassemia trait the same as thalassemia?
People who have thalassemia trait (also called thalassemia minor) carry the genetic trait for thalassemia but do not usually experience any health problems except perhaps a mild anemia. A person may have either alpha thalassemia trait or beta thalassemia trait, depending upon which form of beta protein is lacking.
What is beta thalassemia trait?
People with beta thalassemia trait have both normal hemoglobin A and the abnormal beta thalassemia (β) hemoglobin in their red blood cells. Beta thalassemia is common in people of African, Mediterranean, Asian and Middle Eastern descent. People with beta thalassemia trait do not have beta thalassemia disease or sickle cell disease.
What does it mean to be a carrier for thalassemia?
When a trait carrier has a blood test, their red blood cells may appear smaller than what is normal. Knowing that you carry the trait for thalassemia can prevent you from having unnecessary diagnostic tests. Doctors often mistake being a carrier for thalassemia as having iron deficient anemia, due to the small size of red blood cells.
What happens if you have thalassemia and your partner does not?
If you carry the trait for thalassemia, but your partner does not, your child could inherit the trait from you. It is important that this goes into their medical records for your children and grandchildren’s future family planning. Women who carry the trait may be more likely to develop anemia during their pregnancy.
What are the signs and symptoms of intermediate thalassemia?
In addition to the signs and symptoms seen in intermediate thalassemia, people with severe forms of thalassemia may also experience severe anemia, poor appetite, paleness, dark urine, yellow discoloration of skin ( jaundice ), and enlarged liver or heart.
