Thalassemia

Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.

The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the body's tissues. It is a hereditary condition, meaning it is passed down from parents to children. Thalassemia is a common genetic disorder, with over 100,000 babies born with it each year worldwide.

Causes and Risk Factors:

Thalassemia is caused by mutations in the genes that control the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is made up of two proteins: alpha-globin and beta-globin. If there is a problem with the genes that control the production of either of these proteins, it can result in thalassemia.

Thalassemia is most commonly found in people of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent. Other risk factors for thalassemia include having a family history of the disorder or being from a community where thalassemia is common.

Symptoms:

The symptoms of thalassemia can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder. People with thalassemia may experience fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. They may also have pale skin, jaundice, and an enlarged spleen or liver. Severe cases of thalassemia can cause growth and developmental problems, as well as bone deformities.

Complications:

Thalassemia can lead to a variety of complications, including anemia, iron overload, and organ damage. People with thalassemia may require frequent blood transfusions to manage their symptoms, which can lead to an accumulation of iron in the body. This iron overload can cause damage to the heart, liver, and other organs over time.

Prevention and Treatment:

There is no known cure for thalassemia, but there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of the disorder. Blood transfusions can help to increase hemoglobin levels and improve symptoms, but they also come with the risk of iron overload. Iron chelation therapy can be used to remove excess iron from the body.

Bone marrow or stem cell transplants may be an option for some people with thalassemia, but they are not suitable for everyone. These procedures are expensive and come with significant risks, so they are typically reserved for people with severe forms of the disorder.

Oriental Medicine:

Traditional Oriental Medicine (TOM) is a form of medicine that has been used for thousands of years in Asia. It includes practices such as acupuncture, acupressure, herbal medicine, and dietary therapy. While there is no known cure for thalassemia in TOM, there are some therapies that may help manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

Acupuncture and acupressure can be used to relieve pain and fatigue, which are common symptoms of thalassemia. Herbal medicine may also be used to help support the immune system and reduce inflammation in the body. Dietary therapy can be used to help people with thalassemia maintain a healthy weight and get the nutrients they need to stay healthy.

Conclusion:

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin. While there is no known cure for thalassemia, there are treatments available to manage the symptoms of the disorder. Oriental medicine may also be used to help manage symptoms and improve quality of life, but more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness.

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