thalassemia
Noun: * An inherited blood disorder: Thalassemia is a genetic condition characterized by the body producing an abnormal form of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. This faulty synthesis leads to the destruction of red blood cells, resulting in anemia.
Thalassemia is a medical term used to describe a group of inherited blood disorders. It is typically used in clinical, scientific, and patient-education contexts. * The patient was diagnosed with thalassemia at birth. * Genetic counseling is recommended for carriers of thalassemia. * Treatment for thalassemia often involves regular blood transfusions.
- Alpha-thalassemia and beta-thalassemia: These are the two main types, named after which part of the hemoglobin molecule—the alpha-globin or beta-globin chains—is affected by the genetic defect.
- Beta-thalassemia major is a severe form of the disease.
- Thalassemia minor/trait: Refers to being a carrier of the gene, often with mild or no symptoms.
- He has thalassemia trait but leads a completely healthy life.
- Thalassemic (adjective): Relating to or affected by thalassemia.
- Thalassemic patients require specialized care.
- Mediterranean anemia (an older term, as the condition is more common in people of Mediterranean descent).
- Cooley's anemia (a term specifically for beta-thalassemia major).
Thalassemia has a single, specific medical meaning and is not used idiomatically or with different definitions in common language.
- an inherited form of anemia caused by faulty synthesis of hemoglobin