The Relationship of Thalassemia with Routine Blood Transfusions

In this post, I will describe why thalassemia patients require blood, how thalassemia’s regular blood donation saves lives, and what the transfusion procedure entails. I will also discuss Aleem Dar Foundation’s efforts towards assisting patients. 

What is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder that decreases the body’s hemoglobin-producing ability. Hemoglobin is critical as it transports oxygen from the lungs to the entire body. When there is not enough hemoglobin, the patient becomes weak, fatigued, and pale.

There are two main forms of thalassemia:

• Thalassemia minor – in which the individual carries the trait but does not normally experience major health issues.
• Thalassemia major is very serious and requires lifelong treatment.

In Pakistan, almost 5 to 7 percent of the population carries the thalassemia trait. This means many children are at risk if both parents are carriers. Sadly, thousands of new cases appear each year.

Why Thalassemia Patients Need Blood

A thalassemia patient requires blood since their body is unable to produce a sufficient number of healthy red blood cells. The lack of hemoglobin results in anemia. If left untreated, this disorder can cause very serious health complications such as:

• Weak growth in children
• Bone issues
• Enlarged spleen or liver
• Heart and organ damage

Physicians explain that the patient with thalassemia major will most likely require a blood transfusion every 2 to 4 weeks. Such transfusions provide them with healthy red blood cells and maintain their hemoglobin at a safe level.

Importance of Regular Blood Donation for Thalassemia

When we are discussing routine blood donation for thalassemia, it is not just giving of blood. Patients require blood throughout their lives. That implies a single patient can require hundreds or even thousands of units of blood throughout his or her life.

In Pakistan alone, there are over 100,000 registered thalassemia patients. If each requires blood every few weeks, just imagine how many blood donations are needed each day. That’s why regular donors are precious.

If our citizens donate blood on a regular basis, we can save numerous young lives. For the patients, every unit of blood is a new opportunity to live, to learn, to dream, and to smile with their loved ones.

The Transfusion Process

The process of transfusion is straightforward but life-saving. It is normally done in a hospital or a thalassemia center. Here is the procedure:

Blood Matching – The physician examines the patient’s blood group and picks the appropriate blood from the blood bank.

• Cross Matching – The blood is cross-checked to ensure that it is safe and will not have an adverse reaction with the patient’s blood.
• Transfusion – The blood is administered intravenously through a needle and tube. Transfusion may take 2 to 4 hours.
• Observation – Physicians and nurses observe closely for any response during the process.

Most patients improve after the transfusion because their body at last get sufficient oxygen. They become more energetic and appear healthier.

Difficulties Encountered by Thalassemia Patients

Although transfusion is lifesaving, there are some difficulties. They are:

Finding Safe Blood – At times, patients find it difficult to find blood in time.

• Iron Overload – Repeated transfusions may lead to excess iron in the body, which can harm the heart and liver. Patients require special drugs to get rid of this iron.
• Emotional Stress – It is very difficult for kids and their families to visit the hospital time and time again.

That is why education in society is extremely necessary. If a larger number of people know the reasons why thalassemia patients require blood, more people will come forward to donate regularly.

Role of Aleem Dar Foundation

Let us now discuss the Aleem Dar Foundation. It is an organization that has been fighting the cause of thalassemia patients for years in Pakistan. It offers free blood transfusions, medicines, and counseling for families.

The foundation also organizes blood donation camps in schools, universities, and communities. By doing this, they ensure that all the thalassemia patients’ requirements are met on time.

They also create awareness regarding genetic testing prior to marriage. This prevents families from risking the possibility of having children with thalassemia major.

Aleem Dar Foundation, through its activities, has saved numerous lives and provided hope to thousands of families. 

FAQs

Q1: How frequently does a thalassemia patient require blood transfusions?

A thalassemia major patient typically requires a transfusion every 2-4 weeks to keep hemoglobin at safe levels.

Q2: Is thalassemia ever fully cured?

Currently, the only cure is a bone marrow transplant, but it is not readily available and very expensive. The majority of patients in Pakistan rely on repeated transfusions.

Q3: Why is long-term blood donation for thalassemia so crucial?

Because thalassemia patients require lifelong transfusions, there has to be a safe and steady blood supply. Without donors, thalassemia patients would perish.

Conclusion

Thalassemia is a grave health concern in Pakistan, but with awareness and humanity, we can ensure a normal life for thousands of children. Thalassemia blood transfusion is the only effective treatment, and for this, we require the assistance of voluntary blood donors. It may appear easy for transfusion, but it’s a matter of life or death for patients.

The Aleem Dar Foundation is one of the strongest pillars in this mission. It continues to provide free treatment and awareness, bringing hope to families across Pakistan.

If you want to make a real difference, support the Aleem Dar Foundation today. Donate blood, spread awareness, and be part of saving lives. Together, we can gift hope, health, and happiness to every child fighting thalassemia.