Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body makes an abnormal form of haemoglobin. Haemoglobin is the protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The disorder results in excessive destruction of red blood cells, which leads to anaemia

How do you know you have Thalassemia?

1. Anaemia or low levels of Haemoglobin: Almost everyone with thalassemia major or other serious types will develop anaemia, which can be life-threatening in severe cases.

2. Excess iron levels: you will know you have excess iron levels when you notice an irregular heartbeat or heart failure, delayed puberty and diabetes.

3. Reduced fertility – some people with thalassemia may need fertility treatment to help them have children

4. Delayed growth during childhood, small stones in the gallbladder- which can cause inflammation of the gallbladder abdominal pain

How we diagnose Thalassemia

A Complete blood count: Having a CBC with us will help us Measure the amount of haemoglobin and the different kinds of blood cells, such as red blood cells since people who have thalassemia have fewer healthy red blood cells and less haemoglobin than normal in their blood.

For children: Moderate and severe thalassemias: Bringing your child to Afriglobal Medicare within the first 2 years of life will help us diagnose thalassemia. This is because of signs and symptoms, including severe anaemia, often occur within the first 2 years of life.

For older people: Milder thalassemia: People who have milder forms of thalassemia might be diagnosed after a routine blood test shows they have anaemia.

Iron deficiency test: we also test the amount of iron in the blood to find out whether the anaemia is due to iron deficiency or thalassemia. Iron-deficiency anaemia occurs if the body doesn't have enough iron to make haemoglobin.

Thalassemia is passed from parents to children through genes, family genetic studies also can help diagnose the disorder, which involves taking a family medical history and doing blood tests on family members. The tests will show whether any family members have missing or altered haemoglobin genes.

If you know of family members who have thalassemia and you're thinking of having children, consider talking with your doctor and a genetic counsellor. They can help determine your risk of passing the disorder to your children.

2. Excess iron levels: you will know you have excess iron levels when you notice an irregular heartbeat or heart failure, delayed puberty and diabetes.

You will know you​have excess iron levels via serum ferritin levels test... Diabetes is as a result of excess iron destroying the pancreas.

Stop spreading half-truths!