Does beta thalassemia trait cause anemia?

Does beta thalassemia trait cause anemia?

Thalassemia can cause mild or severe anemia. Anemia occurs when your body does not have enough red blood cells or hemoglobin. The severity and type of anemia depends on how many genes are affected.

Is beta thalassemia the same as anemia?

Beta thalassemia major (also called Cooley’s anemia). People with beta thalassemia major have life-threatening anemia. They need regular blood transfusions and other medical care.

What type of anemia is beta thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by reduced levels of functional hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is found in red blood cells; it is the red, iron-rich, oxygen-carrying pigment of the blood. A main function of red blood cells is to deliver oxygen throughout the body.

Can you have thalassemia and iron deficiency?

Conclusion. The present study shows the frequent occurrence of iron deficiency anemia in patients with beta thalassemia trait, which can potentially confound the diagnosis of the latter. Hence, iron deficiency should be identified and rectified in patients with suspicion of beta thalassemia trait.

What does it mean to have beta thalassemia trait?

People with beta thalassemia do not make enough hemoglobin. 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.

How is beta thalassemia trait treated?

Stem Cell Transplant “Hematopoietic” stem cells are young cells in your bone marrow — the spongy center of your bones — that grow into new blood cells. During a stem cell transplant, you get healthy blood-forming cells from a donor to replace your own damaged cells. A stem cell transplant can cure beta thalassemia.

Should people with thalassemia trait take iron?

If you have thalassemia trait, your physician may prescribe iron supplements because your red blood cells are smaller than is typical. Unless you also have iron deficiency in addition to thalassemia, this is not needed and should be avoided.

What is the difference between iron deficiency anemia and thalassemia?

Distinguishing Iron Deficiency Anemia From Thalassemia Trait The first difference is in the red blood cell count (labeled RBC). In iron deficiency, this value is low because the bone marrow is unable to manufacture red blood cells. In thalassemia trait, RBC is normal to elevated.

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