What is Thalassemia?

Symptoms of Thalassemia

Symptoms and signs are likely to arise gradually, usually one to three weeks following contact to the disease

Early illness signs -

Among the signs and symptoms are:

• Fever that begins low and gradually rises, possibly reaching 104.9 F. (40.5 C)
• Headache
• Weakness and exhaustion
• Muscle pain
• Sweating
• Cough is dry
• Appetite loss and weight loss
• Stomach ache
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Rash
• Stomach bloating

Late illness -

If you do not receive therapy, you may:

• Hallucination
• In this Thalassemia stage, you'll be still and weary, with your eyes half-closed.

At this stage, life-threatening problems are common. Signs and symptoms may reappear up to two weeks after the fever has subsided in some persons.

Risk Factors of Thalassemia

Following are the chances one might be prone to get Thalassemia -

• Working in or visiting locations where Thalassemia fever is prevalent
• As a clinical microbiologist, you'll be dealing with Salmonella typhi bacteria.
• Have close contact with someone who has Thalassemia fever or has recently been afflicted.
• Drink sewage-contaminated water that includes Salmonella typhi.

Prevention of Thalassemia

Thalassemia fever can be prevented and controlled with safe drinking water, good sanitation, and adequate medical care. Unfortunately, in many underdeveloped countries, achieving these goals may be challenging. As a result, vaccinations are the most effective strategy to prevent Thalassemia disease. If you live in or plan to go to locations where Thalassemia disease is a serious threat, you should get vaccinated.

Vaccines

There are two vaccinations available.

• At least one week before travel, one is administered as a single shot.
• One is taken orally in the form of four capsules, and one capsule every other day

Neither vaccine is guaranteed to be 100 per cent effective. Both require booster vaccinations. When going to high-risk areas, observe these instructions because the vaccine won't provide total protection:

• Hands should be washed Wash hands in hot water using soap on a regular basis is the most effective technique to prevent infection. Before eating or preparing food, and after using the restroom, wash your hands. When water isn't accessible, carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Drinking untreated water should be avoided Drinking water contamination is a particular issue in locations where Thalassemia illness is prevalent. Try drinking bottled water, canned or bottled fizzy beverages, wine, or beer. Bottled water that has been carbonated is safer than non-carbonated bottled water.
• Raw fruits and vegetables should be avoided Avoid fruits and vegetables that you can't peel, especially lettuce, because they may have been washed in polluted water. To be on the safe side, stay away from raw foods totally.
• Pick fresh and hot meals Food that has been stored or served at room temperature should be avoided. Eat foods that are freshly cooked and hot. And, while there's no guarantee that food served in the finest restaurants is safe, it's recommended to avoid street food because it's more likely to be contaminated
• Take your antibiotics as directed Take your antibiotics according to your doctor's recommendations, and make sure you finish the entire prescription.
• Hands should be washed frequently This is the single most critical thing you can do to prevent the illness from spreading further. Scrub thoroughly for at least 30 seconds with hot, soapy water, especially before eating and after using the restroom.
• Avoid touching food Wait until your doctor confirms you're no longer contagious before preparing food for others. You won't be allowed to return to work in the food service business or a health care facility until tests confirm you're no longer shedding Thalassemia bacteria.

Diagnosis

For diagnosis of Thalassemia following factors are considered -

Medical and travel history

Bodily fluids or tissues culture

A little sample of your blood, stool, urine, or bone marrow is placed on a specific medium that promotes bacterial growth for the culture. The presence of Thalassemia germs in the culture is examined under a microscope. The most sensitive test for Salmonella typhi is often a bone marrow culture. Although a culture test is the most common diagnostic test, other tests, such as a test to identify antibodies to Thalassemia bacteria in your blood or a test to search for Thalassemia DNA in your blood, may be used to confirm a suspected Thalassemia fever infection.

Lifestyle changes and self-care

Follow some lifestyle changes and home remedies to manage Thalassemia -

• Eat freshly cooked food.
• Ask your doctor about what to eat and what to avoid.
• Drink a lot of water and fruit juices to stay hydrated.
• Drink boil water.
• Avoid outside food, undercooked food or oily food.
• Keep your surroundings clean.
• Take your medicines at proper time.