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Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body produces low levels of hemoglobin, protein in red blood cells responsible for the transport of oxygen. This deficiency can cause anemia, which is often marked by symptoms such as fatigue and weakness. In more severe cases, management requires regular blood transfusions. However, the misconception around extensive myths and thalassemia often leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, putting patients at greater risk. Also read Thalassemia: Expert insight on types, symptoms, prevention and treatment
In an interview with HT lifestyle, Dr. Madhav Danthla, Advisor Hemato-Auncologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Yashoda Hospitals busted several myths.
Myth 1: Thalassemia cannot be stopped.
fact: Thalassemia is eligible to be stopped. The initial screening, either before marriage or during early pregnancy, may identify the position of the carrier. When the joints are already aware of the position of their carrier, they can create a reproductive option informed to reduce the risk of the child -affected child.
Myth 2: The Thalassemia carrier should not marry each other.
fact: The carriers can get married, but with informed decisions. If both partners are carriers, genetic counseling and early prenatal tests (between 8–10 weeks of pregnancy) are required. This unborn helps the child assess the risk and detect the available options.
Myth 3: Carrier parents will always have children with Thalassemia.
fact: There is 25% chance in each pregnancy, not certainty. When both parents are carriers, there is 25% risk of Thalassemia major in each pregnancy, 50% chance baby will be a carrier, and 25% chance baby will be unaffected. If only one parent is a carrier, the baby thalassemia will not be prominent. Printing reproductive technologies such as pre-implantation genetic testing (PGT-m) and prenetal diagnosis through chorionic villus sampling or amoniosantisis offer additional options.
Myth 4: Thalassemia cannot be detected.
fact: The condition of the carrier and the disease can be accurately diagnosed. The hemoglobin can detect the status of the electrophoresis or high-demonstration fluid liquid chromatography (HPLC) carrier, especially in individuals with unexplained microstic anemia. The DNA test further identifies specific mutation. Pre -delivery diagnosis is possible through genetic testing of fetal cells.
Myth 5: There is no cure for Thalassemia chief.
fact: Effective treatment and therapeutic options are available. Thalassemia major requires lifelong care, including regular filtered blood transfusions, iron disciplines and monitoring for organ health. In selected cases, remedial options such as bone marrow transplantation and emerging gene therapy are also available.
Myth 6: All types of anemia, including Thalassemia, are treated with iron doses.
fact: This is a dangerous misconception. Iron supplements are effective only in iron deficient anemia. In Thalassemia, unnecessary iron consumption due to iron surcharge can lead to serious complications. Accurate diagnosis is important before starting treatment. Also read Health tips for management of Thalassemia with Yoga and Ayurveda
Myth 7: Thalassemia is contagious.
fact: Thalassemia is not contagious. It is a genetic condition passed from parents to children and can not spread in contact with physical contact, food sharing, or body fluid.
Note the readers: This article is only for informative purposes and is not an option for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor with any question about a medical condition.
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