MEDITERRANEAN ANAEMIA Meaning and
Definition
-
Mediterranean anaemia, also commonly known as thalassaemia, refers to a group of inherited blood disorders characterized by abnormal production of hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood cells. This condition primarily affects individuals of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Southeast Asian descent.
Mediterranean anaemia is caused by genetic mutations that result in reduced or absent production of alpha or beta globin chains of hemoglobin. The severity of the disorder depends on the specific mutations inherited and can vary from mild to life-threatening. Individuals with Mediterranean anaemia may exhibit symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, pale skin, shortness of breath, delayed growth, and skeletal abnormalities.
Diagnosis of Mediterranean anaemia is typically made through blood tests that measure the levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells, as well as genetic testing to identify the specific gene mutations involved. Treatment approaches for this condition aim to manage the symptoms and complications and may include blood transfusions, iron chelation therapy to address iron overload, and, in severe cases, bone marrow transplants.
Prevention of Mediterranean anaemia involves genetic counseling and testing for carriers before conception, as the disorder is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. Additionally, prenatal testing can be done during pregnancy to determine whether a fetus is affected.
In summary, Mediterranean anaemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by abnormal production of hemoglobin, leading to various symptoms and complications. Early diagnosis, management, and preventive measures are crucial in tackling this condition.
Common Misspellings for MEDITERRANEAN ANAEMIA
- nediterranean anaemia
- kediterranean anaemia
- jediterranean anaemia
- mwditerranean anaemia
- msditerranean anaemia
- mdditerranean anaemia
- mrditerranean anaemia
- m4diterranean anaemia
- m3diterranean anaemia
- mesiterranean anaemia
- mexiterranean anaemia
- meciterranean anaemia
- mefiterranean anaemia
- meriterranean anaemia
- meeiterranean anaemia
- meduterranean anaemia
- medjterranean anaemia
- medkterranean anaemia
- medoterranean anaemia
Etymology of MEDITERRANEAN ANAEMIA
The term "Mediterranean anemia" is derived from the geographical region where the disease was first observed and the main group affected by the disorder. It is also known as "Thalassemia", which comes from the Greek word "thalassa", meaning "sea", as it was first identified in the Mediterranean region. The term "anemia" refers to a condition characterized by a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in the blood.
