Thalassemia major ? truly can you die from this please help me i need to know?

i really need to know doctors say that it cannout be treated as there is no cure but he wont die even though this is a seriouse blood disorder is this true why have i heard many peolpe die from this ? and also he is only one and had 5 blood transfussions already can he catch heb c i live in australia

Your son is being treated, which increases the chances he will reach adulthood incredibly. It is true that untreated thalassemia is often fatal in the first decade of life, due to complications from the anemia or septicemia (infection). Fortunately, nowdays, it is rare for a person with it to die from it. There are some drugs that increase his ability to use iron and form hemoglobin, and of course transfusions if and when needed. Blood products in developed countries are tested for Hepatitis B and C, so the likelyhood of him getting it from a transfusion is really rare. To find out more information, check out www.thalassemia.com which will give you lots of info. It's normal to be confused and frightened, it is worrisome, and no, as of yet there is no cure. But there is treatment that is very effective and your son will in all likelyhood live a fairly normal life otherwise.

You could try WebMD.com. It was free the last time I was there.

Basically, thalassemia major is sort of an inherited form of hemolytic anemia which is characterized by red blood cell (hemoglobin) production abnormalities.

It is the most severe type of anemia. Here is how it works.

The oxygen depletion in the body becomes apparent within the first 6-12 months of life. If left untreated, death usually results within a few years.

Well this sounds dangerous and life threatening and I'll email you again.

By for now!