What Every Parent Needs to Know about Thalassaemia in Children

News Desk, News Nation 360 : Thalassaemia, the world's most common single-gene inherited disorder, poses a significant concern in West Bengal, where its carrier rate of nearly 1 in 10 people is more than double the national average, making awareness and early action vital, particularly for parents of young children. Symptoms often appear within the first two years, including fatigue, pale skin, poor weight gain, enlarged abdomen, or frequent illness, and the disease can progress silently without early diagnosis, which can be done through blood tests like complete blood count, haemoglobin electrophoresis, and genetic screening. The primary treatment involves regular blood transfusions to maintain haemoglobin levels; however, this leads to iron buildup, necessitating iron chelation therapy to prevent organ damage. Hospitals in Kolkata and across West Bengal offer subsidised transfusions and chelation, often supported by government health schemes and NGOs. Bone marrow transplant (BMT) is considered the only accepted curative therapy, especially when performed early with a matched donor, and while costly, it is becoming available with improved outcomes in some city hospitals. Daily home care is crucial, focusing on a low-iron diet, timely vaccinations, hygiene, and, importantly, emotional support, with local support groups in Kolkata increasingly assisting families with both medical and emotional challenges. In this region with high prevalence, early screening, informed parenting, and consistent care are essential for children with thalassaemia to lead active, fulfilling lives.

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