Almost every mother knows the importance of nutrition and the role of iron, folic acid, vitamin B12 and zinc in blood production. They even visit doctors for the suspicion of iron deficiency due to problems like loss of appetite and learning difficulty. However, children may appear pale despite all these. Or iron levels may not improve in spite of receiving a long-term iron replacement therapy. In such case, the problem must be further investigated. Liv Hospital Pediatric Hematology Specialist Prof. MD. Gül Nihal Özdemir explained Mediterranean anemia and its treatment.
In our country, almost 1.5 million people are Mediterranean Anemia thalassemia carriers. Half of our genes are from our mothers, and the other half is from our fathers. Thalassemia occurs like this as well; even if we inherit a disrupted gene, the disease would not occur as long as the other parent is healthy. However, we become thalassemia carriers. Even though we are not sick, we can give that gene to our children. If our partner is healthy in terms of this gene, your child will be a carrier with a fifty percent chance. However, if our partner is also a carrier, then our child may have thalassemia. Or if our child becomes a carrier, then our grandchild can have the disease. Being a thalassemia carrier may not manifest any symptoms. However, thalassemia is a severe disease and the patients are required to receive periodic blood transfusion for their lifetime. The only alarming factor that reveals thalassemia carrier might be pale look. Thalassemia carriers continue their normal life. They can perform difficult physical professions like police, military, doctor, and have multiple children although their pregnancies may be more difficult. They have slightly reduced blood count and it may be missed if not paid enough attention. Therefore, if your levels do not respond iron therapy despite long-term careful medication, thalassemia carrier is suspected.
Does every paleness mean thalassemia?
Not necessarily. Some children may simply have naturally lighter skin tones, and experienced physicians can usually distinguish this. For example, pale skin related to anemia or thalassemia is generally accompanied by pale lips and ear lobes”whereas naturally light-skinned children have pink lips and ears.
Additionally, pallor could also result from ineffective iron therapy, poor absorption of supplements, or an underlying intestinal issue. To accurately determine the cause, it's best to consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
How do I understand if I am a thalassemia carrier?
A simple blood test can determine if you are a thalassemia carrier. For clear answers and appropriate guidance, consult a hematology specialist.
If carrying thalassemia is not a disease, why is it important to know?
Thalassemia carriers often have folic acid deficiency, which can lower blood counts and make them more susceptible to infections than their peers. Identifying carrier status is important not just for the health of the individual, but also for finding other carriers within the family. Recognizing carrier status helps avoid unnecessary iron intake and provides essential information for family planning, since future children may be at risk. With regular monitoring and proper care, children who are carriers can grow up healthy, but if left undiagnosed, chronic anemia may lead to developmental problems.
Is there a definitive treatment for carriers?
Thalassemia carrier status does not require active treatment”other than taking vitamin supplements as needed. Carriers live with this gene for life and usually do not need special therapy. Diagnosis is straightforward, and consulting a hematology specialist is recommended for early identification and monitoring, helping to prevent future complications from severe anemia.
* Liv Hospital Editorial Board has contributed to the publication of this content .
* Contents of this page is for informational purposes only. Please consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. The content of this page does not include information on medicinal health care at Liv Hospital .