Why was thalassemia only discovered at age 40?
Nov 17, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Feng
Introduction
Thalassemia refers to thalassemia, a disorder characterized by impaired globin production. Generally, the reason thalassemia may not be detected until age 40 could be related to genetic traits and carrier status, severity of the condition, individual differences and physical constitution, habits regarding health check-ups, or cases of misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician.
Thalassemia refers to thalassemia, a disorder characterized by impaired globin production. Generally speaking, the reason thalassemia may not be detected until age 40 could be related to genetic traits and carrier status, severity of the condition, individual differences and physical constitution, habits regarding health check-ups, or misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis. It is recommended that patients promptly visit a hospital and receive treatment under the guidance of a physician. The specific analysis is as follows:
1. Genetic traits and carrier status: Thalassemia is an inherited hemolytic anemia. Individuals may have carried the thalassemia gene since childhood but may not have exhibited obvious clinical symptoms early in life. Therefore, even if someone carries the thalassemia gene, it might remain undetected during youth.
2. Severity of the condition: Thalassemia varies in severity. Individuals with mild forms may remain asymptomatic for long periods, causing many people to overlook any abnormalities during their younger years. Symptoms may only gradually emerge later in life—around middle age, such as at age 40—triggered by changes in bodily functions or other external factors.
3. Individual differences and physical constitution: Differences in physical health and genetic background result in varying resistance to thalassemia and differing symptom presentations. Some individuals may better tolerate mild symptoms of thalassemia, thereby delaying the recognition of the condition.
4. Health check-up habits: If individuals lack regular health screening practices or fail to undergo specialized testing for thalassemia, potential risks may go unnoticed, making timely detection difficult.
5. Misdiagnosis or missed diagnosis: Thalassemia may sometimes be misdiagnosed as other types of anemia or different diseases, leading to incorrect treatment approaches and delayed identification of the true condition.
In daily life, it is important to develop healthy lifestyle habits, avoid long-term smoking, and engage in appropriate physical exercise such as jogging or hiking, which can benefit overall health.
