'Thalassaemia' is a word many of us have heard, especially in India, but not everyone truly understands what it means. It is not just a medical term — it is a condition that affects thousands of families across the country. In fact, India has one of the highest numbers of thalassaemia patients in the world.
If you or someone in your family has been diagnosed with thalassaemia, it is natural to feel confused or worried. The good news is that with proper awareness, early diagnosis, and the right treatment, people with thalassaemia can live better and longer lives.
In this blog, let’s understand thalassaemia in simple and clear language.
Thalassaemia is a blood disorder that people are born with. It affects the body’s ability to make haemoglobin properly.
Now you may ask — what is haemoglobin?
Haemoglobin is a protein present in our red blood cells. It carries oxygen from our lungs to different parts of the body. Oxygen is very important because our body needs it to produce energy and function properly.
In people with thalassaemia, the body either does not make enough haemoglobin or makes faulty haemoglobin. Because of this, red blood cells do not work properly and get destroyed faster than normal. This leads to anaemia (low haemoglobin levels).
When haemoglobin is low, the body does not get enough oxygen. That is why people with thalassaemia often feel tired and weak.
Thalassaemia is not just one condition. There are different types, and the severity can vary from mild to severe.
Alpha thalassaemia happens when there is a problem in the alpha globin genes that help make haemoglobin.
We inherit these genes from our parents. If one or two genes are affected, the condition may be mild. If more genes are affected, the condition becomes serious.
Severe forms of alpha thalassaemia are rare but can be life-threatening.
Beta thalassaemia is more common in India. It happens due to changes in the beta globin genes.
There are two main types:
This is the milder form. People with thalassaemia minor usually do not have serious health problems. They may have mild anaemia but can live a normal life.
However, they are carriers of the gene. This becomes important during marriage and family planning. If both husband and wife are carriers, there is a risk that their child may have thalassaemia major.
This is the severe form. Children with thalassaemia major usually start showing symptoms within the first two years of life.
They cannot produce enough healthy haemoglobin and need regular blood transfusions to survive. Without proper treatment, it can become life-threatening.
In India, many children are born with thalassaemia major every year, mostly because parents were unaware that they were carriers.
The symptoms depend on the type and severity of the condition.
In mild cases (thalassaemia minor), a person may not even know they have it. It is often detected during a routine blood test.
In moderate to severe cases (thalassaemia major), symptoms may include:
Children with thalassaemia major may look weak and may not gain weight properly. Parents may notice that their child is more tired compared to other children of the same age.
If regular blood transfusions are not given, complications can develop over time.
Thalassaemia is a genetic disorder. This means it is passed from parents to children through genes.
It is not caused by food habits, infections, lifestyle, or anything done during pregnancy. A child is born with it.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
This is why premarital and prenatal screening is very important, especially in India, where carrier rates are high in some communities. A simple blood test before marriage or pregnancy can help couples understand their risk.
Thalassaemia can be diagnosed through blood tests.
Common tests include:
This test checks haemoglobin levels and the size of red blood cells. If the red blood cells are smaller than normal, doctors may suspect thalassaemia.
This is a special test that confirms the type of haemoglobin present in the blood. It helps identify whether a person is a carrier or has thalassaemia major.
In some cases, genetic testing is done to confirm the exact mutation.
If both parents are carriers, doctors can test the baby during pregnancy through special tests like chorionic villus sampling (CVS). This helps parents make informed decisions.
In India, many government and private hospitals now offer thalassaemia screening at affordable rates.
The treatment depends on how severe the condition is.
Usually, no major treatment is needed. People with thalassaemia minor should:
They can live normal, healthy lives.
Treatment is more intensive and lifelong.
Children with thalassaemia major need blood transfusions every 2–4 weeks. This helps maintain normal haemoglobin levels and supports growth and development.
Frequent blood transfusions cause iron to build up in the body. Too much iron can damage the heart, liver, and other organs.
To remove excess iron, patients need iron chelation medicines. These medicines are very important and should not be skipped.
This is currently the only permanent cure for thalassaemia.
In this procedure, the patient’s bone marrow is replaced with healthy bone marrow from a matching donor (usually a sibling).
However, it is expensive and not suitable for everyone. Early diagnosis improves the chances of success.
In India, lack of awareness is a major issue. Many people come to know about thalassaemia only after their child is diagnosed with thalassaemia major.
Simple steps can prevent this:
Remember, thalassaemia major is preventable through awareness and testing.
With proper treatment, children with thalassaemia can go to school, play, and dream like any other child.
Yes, it requires regular hospital visits and discipline with medicines. But with family support, medical care, and emotional strength, patients can lead meaningful lives.
Parents should not lose hope. Today, medical science has advanced greatly. Many NGOs and government schemes in India also provide financial and emotional support.
Thalassaemia is not just a medical condition- it is a social issue that needs awareness.
The most powerful tool we have is knowledge. A simple blood test can prevent a lifetime of suffering.
If you are planning marriage or pregnancy, consider getting screened. If you know someone affected, support them with kindness and understanding.
Together, through awareness and responsible action, we can reduce the burden of thalassaemia in India and build a healthier future for our children.
No, beta thalassaemia trait (minor) is usually not dangerous. Most people live a normal life with mild or no symptoms.
Yes, they can marry, but they should do genetic counselling because there is a 25% chance their child may have thalassaemia major.
It cannot be prevented after birth, but carrier screening can prevent severe cases. Bone marrow transplant is currently the only permanent cure for thalassaemia major.
Yes, thalassaemia is a genetic condition passed from parents to children.
With proper treatment and regular care, many people with thalassaemia can live into adulthood and have a good quality of life.
Written and Verified by:
-Dr.-Subham-Bhattacharya-(-Haematology-).webp&w=256&q=75)
Dr. Shubham Bhattacharya is a Hematologist who is associated with CMRI. He has an experience of 15 years. His areas of expertise are Bone marrow transplant, anemia, leukemia and malignant hematological disorders.
© 2024 CMRI Kolkata. All Rights Reserved.
