Test Your Knowledge In Thalassemia

Explanation
Alpha and Beta are the correct answers. Alpha thalassemia: a condition in which the body does not produce enough alpha globin (a component of hemoglobin). Beta thalassemia: a condition in which the body does not produce enough beta globin (another component of hemoglobin).

Explanation
The correct answer is all of the above. Thalassemia occurs most frequently among people of Italian, Greek, African, Southern Asian, and Middle Eastern descent.

Explanation
The correct answer is true. The type of treatment a person receives depends on how severe the thalassemia is. The more severe the thalassemia, the less hemoglobin the body has, and the more severe the anemia may be. One way to treat anemia is to provide the body with more red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can be done through a blood transfusion, a safe, common procedure in which you receive blood through a small plastic tube inserted into one of your blood vessels.

Explanation
The correct answer is true. People with thalassemia are treated with blood transfusions. Frequent blood transfusions can result in too much iron in the blood. This is called iron overload. Because there is no natural way for the body to eliminate iron, the iron from transfused blood cells builds up and becomes toxic to tissues and organs, particularly the liver and heart. Iron overload can result in early death from organ failure.

Explanation
The correct answer is yes. A procedure called a bone marrow transplant is the only cure currently available for thalassemia. However, as this procedure can be risky, it is often reserved for people with the most severe problems from thalassemia.

Explanation
The correct answer is no. You cannot “catch” thalassemia from someone who has it.