Cooley's Anaemia
Definition:
Cooley's anaemia is a serious health condition caused by a genetic disorder known as thalassemia. It occurs when a person inherits this condition from both parents, which means they have two copies of the defective gene. This leads to a lack of hemoglobin, the substance in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. As a result, people with Cooley's anaemia often experience severe anemia (low red blood cell count), and can have problems like skeletal deformities and enlargement of organs such as the heart, spleen, and liver.
Usage Instructions:
- As a noun: You can use "Cooley's anaemia" when talking about this specific medical condition. - Example sentence: "The doctor diagnosed her with Cooley's anaemia after reviewing the results of her blood tests."
Advanced Usage:
In more advanced discussions, you might talk about the genetic mechanisms of thalassemia, treatment options such as blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants, and the importance of genetic counseling for families with a history of this condition.
Word Variants:
- Thalassemia: This is the broader term that includes Cooley's anaemia as one of its forms. - Homozygous: This term refers to having two identical alleles for a particular gene, which is relevant in discussing the inheritance of the condition.
Different Meanings:
Cooley's anaemia specifically refers to a medical condition and does not have other meanings in different contexts.
Synonyms:
- Beta-thalassemia major: Another name for Cooley's anaemia, indicating it is a severe form of beta-thalassemia.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "Cooley's anaemia," as it is a medical term. It is best used in medical contexts or discussions about genetics and health.
Summary:
Cooley's anaemia is a serious inherited blood disorder that leads to the absence of hemoglobin and can cause significant health issues.