What is Thalassemia?
Thalassemia is a serious genetic blood disorder that affects the production of red blood cells (RBCs) in our body. It is not a contagious disease, rather it is transmitted from parents to their children through faulty genes. Lakhs of people are affected by this disease, yet there is a lack of awareness about it. To overcome this and promote timely detection, ‘World Thalassemia Day’ is celebrated every year on 8th May. On this occasion, let us discuss the symptoms of this disease and important facts related to it.
Symptoms of Thalassemia
Symptoms of thalassemia may vary between individuals. In some children, these symptoms appear at birth, while in others they develop in the first two years of life. However, there are some people who do not show any symptoms despite having thalassemia.
Symptoms of severe thalassemia include:
**Extreme Fatigue:** Due to lack of oxygen the patient feels constantly tired.
**Weakness:** Lack of energy and physical weakness is felt even while doing small tasks.
**Change in skin color:** Yellowing of the skin or jaundice like symptoms in the eyes and skin. Abnormal changes may also occur in the facial bones.
**Slow growth:** The physical development of affected children may be slower than that of other children.
**Abdominal swelling:** Abnormal swelling or bloated feeling in the lower abdomen.
**Dark colored urine:** The color of urine is darker than normal.
**Loss of appetite:** Disinterest in eating or loss of appetite.
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