Thalassaemia Major
Definition:
Thalassaemia major is a serious health condition caused by a genetic problem where the body does not make enough hemoglobin, which is the part of red blood cells that carries oxygen. This condition is inherited, meaning it is passed down from parents to their children. If both parents have the gene for thalassaemia, their child may have thalassaemia major. This condition can lead to severe health issues, including skeletal deformities and enlarged organs like the heart, spleen, and liver.
Usage Instructions:
- Use "thalassaemia major" when discussing genetic blood disorders, especially in a medical or health context. - It is usually referred to in conversations about inherited diseases and blood health.
Example Sentence:
"Children with thalassaemia major often need regular blood transfusions to help manage their condition."
Advanced Usage:
In medical discussions, you might encounter thalassaemia major in the context of treatment options, genetic counseling, or research studies about blood disorders.
Word Variants:
- Thalassaemia: This is the general term for the group of blood disorders that affect hemoglobin production. - Thalassemia Minor: This refers to a milder form of thalassaemia where the person has one normal gene and one thalassaemia gene, usually causing few or no symptoms.
Different Meaning:
In some contexts, "thalassaemia" can refer to other types of thalassemia that are not as severe as thalassaemia major, such as thalassaemia intermedia or minor.
Synonyms:
- None directly, as "thalassaemia major" is a specific medical term. However, "severe thalassemia" may be used informally to describe the condition.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There are no idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs specifically related to thalassaemia major. However, discussions around health may include phrases like "to carry a gene," which means to have a genetic trait that can be passed on to offspring.
Summary:
Thalassaemia major is a serious inherited condition where the body can't produce enough hemoglobin, leading to various health complications.