Mediterranean anemia
Mediterranean Anemia
Mediterranean Anemia, also known as Thalassemia, is a genetic blood disorder primarily found in the Mediterranean region. The term "Mediterranean Anemia" is derived from the Greek words "thalassa" (sea) and "haima" (blood), referring to the region where the condition is most prevalent.
Pronunciation
Mediterranean Anemia: /ˌmɛdɪtəˈreɪniən əˈniːmiə/
Etymology
The term "Mediterranean Anemia" is a descriptive term for the condition, referring to the region where it is most commonly found. The term "Thalassemia" is derived from the Greek "thalassa" meaning "sea" and "haima" meaning "blood". This is because the condition was first identified in populations living near the Mediterranean Sea.
Definition
Mediterranean Anemia, or Thalassemia, is a genetic blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in the body than normal. Hemoglobin is a substance in red blood cells that allows them to carry oxygen. The low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells in Thalassemia can result in mild or severe anemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Mediterranean Anemia can range from mild to severe and may include fatigue, weakness, pale or yellowish skin, facial bone deformities, slow growth, abdominal swelling, and dark urine.
Related Terms
- Anemia: A condition in which the blood doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells.
- Hemoglobin: A protein molecule in red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs to the body's tissues and returns carbon dioxide from the tissues back to the lungs.
- Genetic Disorder: A disease caused in whole or in part by a change in the DNA sequence away from the normal sequence.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Mediterranean anemia
- Wikipedia's article - Mediterranean anemia
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