Can I marry someone with thalassemia?

Thalassemia, related to the reduction in red blood cells, is rapidly increasing in India forcing doctors to make a fervent appeal for improved awareness and preventive measures at primary and social levels. No two Thalassemia minor patients should be allowed to marry.

Is beta thalassemia incompatible with life?

It is incompatible with life and results in hydrops fetalis. One allele deletion is the mildest form and is mostly clinically silent. Beta thalassemia results from point mutations in the beta-globin gene.

How is the family of a person with thalassemia affected?

To be born with the main type of thalassaemia, beta thalassaemia, a child has to inherit a copy of the faulty beta thalassaemia gene from both of their parents. This usually happens when both parents are “carriers” of the faulty gene, also known as having the “thalassaemia trait”.

How does thalassemia affect daily life?

Some studies have shown that children with thalassemia experience higher than usual levels of depression and anxiety. Regular, sometimes daily, treatments are a constant reminder of being ill and can lead to a sense of feeling ‘different’ or isolated from family or friends.

Does thalassemia spread through contact?

Thalassemia is a genetic blood disease. People born with this disease cannot make normal hemoglobin which is needed to produce healthy red blood cells. Thalassemia is not infectious and cannot be passed from one individual to another by personal contact.

Can people with thalassemia live a normal life?

Beta thalassemia major (Cooley’s anemia). People with this condition will need frequent blood transfusions. They may not live a normal lifespan.

Can people with thalassemia exercise?

Although some people with thalassemia may have trouble participating in vigorous forms of exercise, many people with thalassemia can participate in moderate physical activities including biking, running, and walking.

Can people with thalassemia gain weight?

They do not gain weight and grow at the expected rate (failure to thrive) and may develop yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice). Affected individuals may have an enlarged spleen, liver, and heart, and their bones may be misshapen. Some adolescents with thalassemia major experience delayed puberty.

Does beta thalassemia affect pregnancy?

Pregnancy in thalassemia should be considered a high risk for both mother and fetus, and favorable outcomes are the result of continuous preconception, antenatal, and postpartum assessment and management by a team of thalassemia experts.

Can a beta thalassemia carrier marry?

YES , can get married, if only one partner is carrier there is no problem BUT if both are carrier they should undergo prenatal testing.

Can beta thalassemia have kids?

Parents who have beta thalassemia trait can have a child with beta thalassemia disease or sickle cell disease (Sβ+ Thalassemia or Sβ0 thalassemia disease). This is why it is important to understand how beta thalassemia trait is passed on, and how it can affect the health of your children and grandchildren.

How do you live with beta thalassemia?

Living with beta thalassemia Work with your healthcare provider to make a treatment plan that includes blood transfusions. Your plan may also include treatment to remove extra iron from your body (iron chelation therapy). You will also have regular blood tests and physical exams. It is important to avoid infections.

Can you donate blood with beta thalassemia?

You must not donate blood if you have had babesiosis. You will be permanently deferred. If you have G6PD (Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Deficiency) or Thalassemia (minor), you can donate blood if you meet the haemoglobin requirement.