How to Cure Thalassemia

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder, a type of anemia that affects the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance that allows red blood cells to transport oxygen throughout the body. You may have this disorder and not even know it. Mild cases can often go untreated but more severe cases require medical attention as well as lifestyle changes. Symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, irritability, jaundice, dark urine, trouble breathing and slow growth in children. If you have these symptoms, seek treatment.

Instructions

Medical Help

• 1

  Consult your doctor. She will administer a blood test and look at your symptoms to determine the severity of your thalassemia. If the test shows low levels of hemoglobin and your symptoms occur regularly, the doctor will recommend treatment.

• 2

  Get regular blood transfusions if your doctor recommends it. Severe cases may require eight or more transfusions per year.

• 3

  Take iron chelators to decrease the amount of iron in your blood. Blood transfusions increase iron levels, which puts you at risk for heart, kidney and liver disease.

• 4

  Get a bone marrow transplant if your doctor feels it is necessary. The risks are high in this type of operation.

Lifestyle Changes

• 5

  Change your diet so you consume low amounts of iron and adequate amounts of calcium, vitamin D and zinc.

• 6

  Drink at least one cup of green tea per day. The tannins in the tea help prevent your body from absorbing excess iron.

• 7

  Avoid infections by practicing good hygiene, avoiding people with contagious illnesses and properly caring for injuries. Cover open wounds with bandages.