Thalassemia refers to a type of blood disorder associated with decreased red blood cells and hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment in blood. Symptoms of thalassemia include shortness of breath, weakness, fatigue, irritability and a swollen stomach. Other thalassemia symptoms include dark urine and paleness. Left untreated, the effects of thalassemia can emerge.
Iron Overload
The Mayo Clinic says people suffering with thalassemia get too much iron in their blood, either as a result of the disease or its treatment (blood transfusions). The Iron Disorders Institute says specific symptoms of iron overload include joint or stomach pain, hair loss, a bronze, gray or green skin color, chronic fatigue, depression and infertility.
The iron that accumulates in the body can infiltrate the heart, liver, thyroid gland and bones. Therefore, iron overload can also predispose people to developing osteoarthritis, an underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), heart failure and a heart attack.
Treatment for iron overload involves decreasing its levels in the body. This is done through phlebotomy, a procedure in which blood is actually removed. Sometimes iron-chelation medications are used, too.
Splenomegaly
Thalassemia can also lead to an enlarged spleen (splenomegaly). The spleen is typically utilized to filter aged or destroyed blood cells. The Mayo Clinic says thalassemia is a disease in which red blood cells are destroyed, so the spleen actually works overtime. As a result, it becomes larger.
Often, people don't present with any symptoms if they have an enlarged spleen. Sometimes an enlarged spleen can cause pain in the left upper part of the stomach, fatigue, frequent infections and easy bleeding.
Managing splenomegaly involves treating its cause. Sometimes surgery is an option, but there's a risk of post-splenectomy (spleen removal) infections.
Arrythmias
Thalassemia can also lead to heart rhythm disorders, also known as arrythmias. MedlinePlus says chest pain, lightheadedness, dizziness, sweating, shortness of breath, skipping heartbeats and pounding hearbeats are some symptoms of an arrythmia.
Treatment for a heart arrythmia involves receiving an electrical shock, having a pacemaker placed or getting medications intravenously (through the vein).
Other Effects
Thalassemia can also make people prone to developing all sorts of infections. In fact, the Mayo Clinic says blood transfusions (a treatment for thalassemia) increases the chances for developing a blood infection. Also, this disease can lead to bone marrow expansion. This can result in bigger, thin and brittle bones. Sometimes thalassemia can also delay growth.
