Best Thalassemia Doctors in Mysore

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that affects the body's ability to produce haemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. This reduction in haemoglobin leads to anaemia, which can range from mild to severe forms. The disease is primarily caused by genetic mutations affecting the production of the alpha or beta chains of haemoglobin, inherited from parents who carry these mutated genes.

Mysore, a city known for its rich cultural heritage, the prevalence of thalassemia highlights the need for comprehensive healthcare solutions. Apollo Hospitals Mysore houses some of the best Thalassemia doctors and thalassemia specialists offering world-class health services to combat this congenital disorder.

Types/Stages of Thalassemia

Thalassemia can present itself in two main forms:

• Alpha-Thalassemia: Occurs when there are mutations in the genes that make the alpha chains of haemoglobin. The severity depends on how many mutated genes are inherited.

• Beta-Thalassemia: Caused by abnormalities in the beta-globin genes. The severity varies based on which part of the haemoglobin molecule is affected.

Symptoms of Thalassemia

People with Thalassemia may experience a range of symptoms, including:

• Fatigue and weakness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Facial bone deformities

• Slow growth in children

• Abdominal swelling

• Dark urine

Tests to Diagnose Thalassemia

Typically a haematologist or a thalassemia specialist employs a range of tests to provide a diagnosis:

• Genetic Testing: To identify mutated genes responsible for Thalassemia.

• Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS) and Amniocentesis: Prenatal tests to detect Thalassemia in the foetus.

• Blood Tests: Complete Blood Count (CBC) and haemoglobin electrophoresis are used to confirm the diagnosis of Thalassemia.

• High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC):

  Separates and quantifies different types of haemoglobin.

  Helps in the detailed analysis of haemoglobin variants.

• Oxygen Affinity Tests:

  Measures the oxygen-carrying capacity of red blood cells.

  Assesses the functional impact of haemoglobin variants.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Thalassemia at Apollo Hospitals Mysore

Apollo Hospitals Mysore provides comprehensive treatments under the supervision of the best doctors for thalassemia treatment that include:

• Regular Blood Transfusions: To replenish haemoglobin levels, especially in severe cases like Thalassemia major.

• Iron Chelation: To remove excess iron from the bloodstream, preventing iron overload from transfusions.

• Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT): In certain cases, this can potentially cure Thalassemia.

• Supplements & Medications: Including folate supplements to support red blood cell production.