THALASSEMIA IN CHILDREN

WHAT IS THALASSEMIA?

Thalassemia is a blood disorder which is transmitted from parents to offsprings. In this disorder, there is formation of abnormal hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is responsible for carrying oxygen to the different parts of the body. In thalassemia, the red blood cells get breakdown in large amounts, thus causing anemia. The requirement of cells of body tissues is not fulfilled and a person gets tired easily.

As thalassemia is an inherited disorder, one of the parents must be the carrier of the disease. The life of people suffering from thalassemia is short. Anemia occurs in them either in mild or severe form. Severe anemia damages body organs and leads to death.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF THALASSEMIA?

There are 3 different types of thalassemia:

• Alpha thalassemia
• Beta thalassemia
• Thalassemia minor

CAUSES OF THALASSEMIA

Thalassemia is caused due to mutation in one of the genes responsible for hemoglobin formation. The mutated gene is transmitted from parents to offspring. Hemoglobin is a red colored pigment present in red blood cells. Red blood cells transport oxygen to various parts of the body. Oxygen is bound to hemoglobin molecule. In case of abnormal hemoglobin chain, the transport of oxygen to body tissues is not fulfilled. 

SYMPTOMS OF THALASSEMIA

In some children, the symptoms of thalassemia are present by birth. Some develop within the first two years of life. The common signs and symptoms of the disease are:

• Pale skin
• Feeling tired all the time
• Deformities of facial bones
• Stunted growth
• Body weakness
• Dark color of urine
• Swelling in abdomen

COMPLICATIONS OF THALASSEMIA

The complications which are associated with thalassemia are:

• Due to decreased immunity, the chances of contracting body infections get increased
• People suffering from thalassemia get too much of the iron in their bodies due to regular blood transfusion. Excessive iron causes damage to the liver, heart, etc. 
• The width of bones increases as bone marrow in bones expands. This makes the bones thin and chances of bone fractures get increased.
• Splenomegaly – enlargement of spleen occurs
• Heart problems such as abnormal heart rhythms, congestive heart failure may occur in severe cases of thalassemia.

DIAGNOSIS OF THALASSEMIA

The doctor will look for the signs and symptoms of the disease. Children within first two years show the symptoms. In case of suspicion of thalassemia, he can suggest blood tests.

If one of the parents is carrier, then prenatal testing can be done. The tests involved are:

• Amniocentesis
• Chorionic villus sampling

CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTER’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF THALASSEMIA

Here are some of the medications of Chandigarh Ayurved Center which are used for the treatment of thalassemia:

• Detox Premium Powder

It is purely a herbal formulation that helps to remove toxins from the body due to its antioxidant properties. It maintains the hormonal balance of the body. It comprises of Moti Pishti, Parwal Pishti, Shukta Pishti, Giloy Satav, Kamdudha Ras, Jahar Mohra, Akik Pishti, Gandhak Rasayan, Tal Sindoor, Shankh Bhasma, Sutshekhar Ras, Sudhyog Tab, Shwet Parpati, Yavakshaar. It has an antibacterial action and provides a cooling and calming effect to the body. It rejuvenates the body cells and gives strength, stamina and power to the patients. It mainly works on pitta doshas vitiation.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 sachet twice daily with normal water.

• Giloy Capsule

Giloy herb due to its medicinal properties is widely used to treat ailments in Ayurveda. The capsules are made up of extracts of the Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia). In the case of thalassemia, it reduces the anxiety and mental stress, boosts immunity, helps in the formation of healthy RBC’s and increases the blood supply to all parts of the body that helps in the normal functioning of all the body organs. Giloy is a universal herb that helps to boost immunity. It improves digestion, reduces stress, anxiety, respiratory system, hence it maintains overall immunity of the body.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 capsule twice daily with normal water.

• Liver Care Tablet

These tablets are 100% safe and purely ayurvedic formulation. It maintains the proper functioning of the liver and stimulates the growth of new liver cells. Liver Care Tablets contains Ingredients like Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), Kutaki(Picrorhiza kurroa), Bhumi amla( phyllanthus niruri), Giloy(Tinopora Cordifolia), Yavakshar( Hordeum vulgare), Imli Kshar( Tamarindus indica), Mukta Shukta pisti etc. These herbs balances excess Pitta Dosha and helps in problems like abdominal bloating,flatulence, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

• Trikatu Syrup

Trikatu syrup is pure ayurvedic formulation comprises of mainly three herbs such as Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), & Marich (Piper nigrum). the main function of trikatu syrup is it removes excess of Kapha doshas and supports the respiratory system, helps to reduce body weight and hence detoxifies the body. It has anti-inflammatory , analgesic and antioxidant properties. It boosts metabolism and works in the removal of impurities of the body. It is free from chemicals, additives, colors and fillers.

Recommended Dosage – Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.

• Platfer Tablet

These are herbal combination prepared from herbs like Papaya (Carica papaya) & Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia) that in combination increases the platelet counts naturally. It provides good & effective results for patients. It increases the physical and mental strength of a person and builds up immunity.

Recommended Dosage –Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.

• Nerve Up Tablet

It is a pure herbo-mineral formulation which helps to balance the vata dosha. It acts as a nervine stimulator and also reduces Kapha doshas. It mainly acts on the central nervous system. It contains natural ingredients like Shudha kuchla, Shudha shilajeet, Abhrak bhasma, Praval pishti, Shankh bhasma etc. These contain natural Vatahar properties and helps in curing Vata diseases. It speeds up physical and mental processes. It helps in stiffness, inflammation, swelling and general weakness IT deal with the ringing, clicking, buzzing, hissing, humming, & roaring sounds.

Recommended Dosage – Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water after meal.