Tag: jaundice

Thalassemia

Thalassemia is a group of genetic blood disorders that affect the production of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. People with thalassemia have a problem with the production of either the alpha or beta globin chains of hemoglobin, which can cause anemia, fatigue, and other complications.

There are two main types of thalassemia:

  1. Alpha thalassemia: This type of thalassemia occurs when one or more of the alpha globin genes are missing or mutated. Alpha thalassemia can be mild or severe depending on the number of missing or mutated genes. Severe alpha thalassemia can cause fetal hydrops, a condition in which fluid accumulates in the fetus’s body, leading to stillbirth or early death after birth.
  2. Beta thalassemia: This type of thalassemia occurs when one or both of the beta globin genes are missing or mutated. Beta thalassemia can also be mild or severe depending on the number of missing or mutated genes. Severe beta thalassemia is also known as thalassemia major, and people with this condition require lifelong blood transfusions to survive.

Thalassemia is inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern, which means that a person must inherit two copies of the mutated gene (one from each parent) to develop the condition. If a person inherits only one copy of the mutated gene, they are said to be a carrier of the condition and may not have any symptoms.

The effects of thalassemia can vary depending on the type and severity of the condition. Common symptoms of thalassemia include:

  • Anemia (low red blood cell count)
  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Pale skin
  • Delayed growth and development
  • Enlarged spleen
  • Bone deformities
  • Abdominal swelling
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)
  • Heart problems (in severe cases)

Treatment for thalassemia may include blood transfusions, bone marrow transplants, and medication to manage symptoms. People with thalassemia may also need to make lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthy diet and avoiding certain medications that can worsen their condition.

Common Health Problems of Newborn Babies

Welcoming a new born into the world can be an exciting and joyful experience for parents, but it can also come with its own set of challenges. New borns are delicate and vulnerable, and their immune systems are not fully developed yet. Therefore, they are prone to several health problems. In this article, we will discuss some common health problems of new borns.

  1. Jaundice: Jaundice is a common condition that affects almost 60% of new borns in the first few days of life. It occurs when the liver is not able to break down bilirubin, a waste product produced when red blood cells are broken down. The excess bilirubin causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. In most cases, jaundice resolves on its own within a week or two, but if the levels of bilirubin are too high, the baby may require phototherapy or even a blood transfusion.
  2. Respiratory Distress Syndrome (RDS): RDS is a breathing disorder that affects premature babies. It occurs when the lungs are not fully developed, and the baby struggles to breathe on their own. Symptoms of RDS include rapid breathing, grunting, and flaring of the nostrils. Treatment involves providing oxygen and support with a breathing machine.
  3. Infections: New borns are susceptible to infections because their immune systems are not fully developed. Bacterial infections like sepsis and pneumonia, as well as viral infections like herpes and hepatitis, can cause serious health problems in new borns. Symptoms of an infection may include fever, lethargy, poor feeding, and difficulty breathing. Treatment usually involves antibiotics or antiviral medication.
  4. Gastroesophageal Reflux (GER): GER is a condition in which the contents of the stomach flow back into the esophagus, causing discomfort and spitting up in new borns. It is a common condition and usually resolves on its own within a few months. However, in severe cases, medication or even surgery may be required.
  5. Congenital Heart Defects: Congenital heart defects are abnormalities in the structure of the heart that are present at birth. These defects can range from mild to severe and can cause problems with the circulation of blood in the body. Symptoms may include difficulty breathing, poor feeding, and bluish skin. Treatment may involve medication or surgery.
  6. Birth Injuries: Sometimes, new borns may experience injuries during delivery. These injuries can range from minor bruising to more serious conditions like fractures or nerve damage. Treatment depends on the severity of the injury.
  7. Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome (NAS): NAS is a condition that occurs when a baby is born to a mother who has used drugs or alcohol during pregnancy. Symptoms of NAS may include tremors, seizures, and irritability. Treatment may involve medication and supportive care.

New borns are susceptible to a variety of health problems. It is important for parents to be aware of the common health issues that new borns face and to seek medical attention promptly if they suspect that their baby may be experiencing any of these problems. Regular check-ups with a paediatrician can help ensure that any potential health problems are caught early and treated effectively. With proper care and attention, new borns can thrive and grow into healthy children.

Hepatitis

Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver. The inflammation can be caused by a variety of factors, including viruses, toxins, and certain medications. There are several types of viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, each caused by a different virus.

Causes: Hepatitis can be caused by a variety of factors, including viral infections, such as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E, as well as non-viral causes, such as alcohol abuse, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms: The symptoms of hepatitis can vary depending on the cause and severity of the inflammation. Common symptoms include fatigue, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, jaundice, and dark urine. Some people may have no symptoms at all.

Types of Hepatitis:

  1. Hepatitis A: Hepatitis A is a highly contagious viral infection that is spread through contaminated food or water. The infection typically resolves on its own and does not cause long-term liver damage.
  2. Hepatitis B: Hepatitis B is a viral infection that can be spread through exposure to infected blood or bodily fluids. The infection can cause both acute and chronic liver disease and can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis if left untreated.
  3. Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is a viral infection that is spread through exposure to infected blood, typically through injection drug use or blood transfusions. The infection can cause both acute and chronic liver disease and can lead to liver cancer and cirrhosis if left untreated.
  4. Hepatitis D: Hepatitis D is a viral infection that only occurs in people who are already infected with hepatitis B. The infection can cause severe liver damage and increases the risk of developing liver cancer.
  5. Hepatitis E: Hepatitis E is a viral infection that is spread through contaminated food or water, particularly in areas with poor sanitation. The infection typically resolves on its own and does not cause long-term liver damage.

Treatment: The treatment for hepatitis depends on the cause and severity of the inflammation. Some types of acute hepatitis may resolve on their own with rest and supportive care. Chronic hepatitis may require antiviral medications or other treatments to manage the inflammation and prevent further liver damage.

Prevention: Prevention of hepatitis involves avoiding exposure to contaminated blood or bodily fluids, practicing safe sex, and avoiding sharing needles or other injection equipment. Vaccines are available for hepatitis A and B and are recommended for people at increased risk of infection.

In conclusion, hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the liver, which can be caused by viral infections, toxins, certain medications, and autoimmune disorders. There are several types of viral hepatitis, each caused by a different virus, with varying levels of severity and long-term consequences. Treatment and prevention measures are available for some types of hepatitis, emphasizing the importance of early detection and management.