THALASSEMIA ALPHA Meaning and
Definition
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Thalassemia alpha is a genetic blood disorder characterized by a reduced or defective production of the alpha globin chain of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen in the red blood cells. Thalassemia alpha is classified as an inherited autosomal disorder, meaning that it is passed down from both parents who carry the mutated gene.
The decreased production or absence of alpha globin chains results in an imbalance in the synthesis of hemoglobin, leading to the impaired development and anemia of red blood cells. The severity of Thalassemia alpha can vary depending on the number of alpha globin genes affected. The more genes involved, the more severe the symptoms may be.
Common symptoms of Thalassemia alpha include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, and delayed growth and development in children. Complications such as bone deformities, enlargement of the spleen, and cardiovascular problems can also occur in severe cases.
Diagnosis of Thalassemia alpha involves blood tests that measure the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as genetic testing to identify the specific gene mutations involved. Treatment options may include regular blood transfusions to manage anemia, iron chelation therapy to prevent iron overload from repeated transfusions, and folic acid supplements to aid red blood cell production.
Thalassemia alpha is a lifelong condition that requires ongoing medical management and monitoring. With appropriate treatment and care, individuals with Thalassemia alpha can lead relatively healthy lives and manage their symptoms effectively.
Common Misspellings for THALASSEMIA ALPHA
- rhalassemia alpha
- fhalassemia alpha
- ghalassemia alpha
- yhalassemia alpha
- 6halassemia alpha
- 5halassemia alpha
- tgalassemia alpha
- tbalassemia alpha
- tnalassemia alpha
- tjalassemia alpha
- tualassemia alpha
- tyalassemia alpha
- thzlassemia alpha
- thslassemia alpha
- thwlassemia alpha
- thqlassemia alpha
- thakassemia alpha
- thapassemia alpha
- thaoassemia alpha
- thalzssemia alpha
Etymology of THALASSEMIA ALPHA
The word "thalassemia" is derived from the Greek words "thalasso" meaning "sea" and "haima" meaning "blood". It was first coined by Thomas Cooley in 1925 to describe a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal hemoglobin production.
The term "alpha" in "Thalassemia alpha" specifically refers to the type of thalassemia caused by a mutation in the alpha globin gene. This mutation leads to reduced or absent production of alpha globin chains, resulting in an imbalance of alpha and beta globin chains in hemoglobin, and consequently causing the symptoms of thalassemia.
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