Blood donation shortage in Ramadan poses challenges for Thalassemia patients

A severe shortage of blood donations during Ramadan has put over 100,000 children suffering from thalassemia across the country in distress, according to hematology experts.

Dr. Saqib Ansari stated that the demand for blood bags exceeds 100,000 to 150,000 per month, emphasizing that some children require transfusions twice within 15 days.

He urged citizens to donate blood at thalassemia centers nationwide to help meet the critical demand.

Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder, which means that it is passed from parents to children through gene .

There are two main types of thalassemia: alpha thalassemia and beta thalassemia. Each of these types can be mild, moderate, or serious, depending on how much hemoglobin your body makes.

Hemoglobin is a protein that helps red blood cells carry oxygen.

If you have thalassemia, your body may not make enough hemoglobin, which can lead to fewer healthy red blood cells. This can lead to a condition called anemia.

Anemia can make you feel tired, weak, or short of breath. Or, depending on the type of thalassemia you have and how serious it is, you may have no symptoms at all.

More serious types of thalassemia are usually diagnosed before a child is 2 years old.

Read more: Muslim donor’s blood refused for sick Hindu woman at Indian hospital

Blood transfusions are used to treat thalassemia. You may need occasional or more regular blood transfusions, depending on how serious your condition is. You may also take medicine to help with complications from this treatment.

It is important to talk to your healthcare provider before you become pregnant. They may need to run tests or change your treatment plan.