Betathalassemiaminoralso known as beta thalassemia trait or B thalassemiais a blood disorder.
It lowers your bloods level ofhemoglobin, an iron-containing protein inred blood cellsthat carries oxygen throughout your body.
The red blood cells in people with this condition are smaller than normal.
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Those with this problem can go through life healthy and without symptoms.
For some, though, it can lead to mildanemia, though it rarely needs treatment.
This problem is passed from parent to child.
you’re able to carry the trait and pass it to your child without knowing it.
Some only learn about it when they have a blood test for other problems.
It is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern involving the HBB (hemoglobin subunit beta) gene.
Diagnosis is usually done using the following laboratory tests:
Moleculargenetic testingcan detect mutations of the HBB gene.
It may also be used in prenatal testing.
Knowing whether you have the thalassemia trait is important for family planning and your own health.
Two people with the trait increase their risk of passing two defective HBB genes to their baby.
When they occur, symptoms of mild anemia are subtle and can often be overlooked.
You may not know you have this disorder until your blood is tested.
Beta Thalassemia Major
Thalassemia includes a group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production.
Most people do not need treatment with the beta thalassemia minor trait.
The condition may cause a mild form of anemia, but it usually does not require medical treatment.
A person with beta thalassemia minor usually has a normal life expectancy.
In these cases, consistent monitoring is required.
However, taking iron supplements can increase your risk of iron overload, a common complication of thalassemia syndromes.
Anyone with beta thalassemia minor should not take iron supplements.
While treatment usually isnt necessary, people with beta thalassemia minor may be prescribed folic acid.
Folic acid can promote the development of red blood cells.
Research indicates that children with beta thalassemia minor may benefit from folic acid supplementation for three months.
Consult with your healthcare provider regarding your condition.
It lowers your bloods level of hemoglobin, which hinders the delivery of oxygen throughout your body.
This problem often occurs without symptoms.
Many people learn they have it after getting the results of a blood test done for other reasons.
This problem does not affect a normal life span.
Some people get mild anemia with it, Symptoms are often mild.
Finding out whether you have this disorder can help you gauge your risk of passing it on.
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