K.N.O.W. Home Health - THALASSEMIA ANEMIA

THALASSEMIA ANEMIA

✅ What Is Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is a blood problem. It means your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen all over your body. If you don’t have enough, your body can feel tired or weak. This condition can be passed down from your parents through your genes.

🧬 What Causes Thalassemia?

Thalassemia is caused by a gene change (mutation). This means it is something you are born with. You can’t catch it from someone else. If both of your parents carry the thalassemia gene, you have a higher chance of having the disease.

⚠️ What Are the Symptoms?

People with thalassemia might:

Feel very tired
Look pale
Have yellowish skin or eyes (jaundice)
Get short of breath easily
Have slow growth in children
Have bone pain or changes in the shape of bones
Get sick more often (in some types)

Some people have only mild symptoms. Others may have more serious problems and need regular medical care.

💡 How Can I Feel Better and Reduce Symptoms?

You can do a few things to help feel better:

Take your medicine every day, as the doctor tells you
Eat healthy foods (fruits, vegetables, lean meats, whole grains)
Avoid too much iron unless your doctor says it’s okay
Drink water and rest when you feel tired
Go to your checkups regularly
Sometimes, you may need a blood transfusion if your red blood cell count is too low

🚨 When to Call the Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call your home health nurse or doctor if:

You feel more tired than usual
You are not eating or sleeping well
You have a low-grade fever (under 101°F)
You feel a little dizzy or weak
You need help with your medicines or care

🆘 When to Go to the Emergency Room (ER)

Go to the ER right away if you have:

A fever over 101°F
Chest pain or trouble breathing
A very fast heartbeat
Sudden confusion or fainting
Severe pain in your bones or belly
Signs of infection (like chills, redness, swelling, or pus)

💬 Important Reminders

Thalassemia can’t be cured (unless you get a bone marrow transplant), but you can live a healthy life with good care.
Always keep your doctor’s number nearby.
Let your family and caregivers know about your condition, so they can help if needed.
If you’re going to have surgery or get a vaccine, tell the nurse or doctor that you have thalassemia.

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

Thalassemia Anemia – True or False Patient Knowledge Check. Please select True or False. If the Statement is False, Please Correct the statement.

True or False: Thalassemia is a blood condition where your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells.
True or False: You can catch thalassemia from someone who has it.
True or False: Thalassemia is something you are born with.
True or False: Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body.
True or False: Feeling tired all the time can be a symptom of thalassemia.
True or False: People with thalassemia should always take iron pills.
True or False: Pale skin and yellow eyes can be signs of thalassemia.
True or False: Eating healthy foods and drinking water can help you feel better with thalassemia.
True or False: Children with thalassemia may grow slower than others.
True or False: A blood transfusion may be needed if red blood cells are too low.
True or False: It’s okay to skip regular checkups if you feel fine.
True or False: You should call your home health nurse if you feel more tired than usual.
True or False: A fever over 101°F is a reason to go to the emergency room.
True or False: Fast heartbeat and chest pain are not serious signs in thalassemia.
True or False: Thalassemia can be cured with a bone marrow transplant in some cases.
True or False: You should always tell your doctor or nurse you have thalassemia before surgery.
True or False: A thalassemia patient should rest when they feel weak or dizzy.
True or False: It is important to avoid infections if you have thalassemia.
True or False: Your family and caregivers should not be told you have thalassemia.
True or False: Staying on top of your care can help you live a healthy life with thalassemia.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Do you know what your most recent hemoglobin level was and whether your provider mentioned the need for a transfusion?”

“Have you experienced any symptoms such as unusual tiredness, weakness, or shortness of breath that are affecting your daily activities?”

“Can you explain how often you receive blood transfusions or iron chelation therapy, and are you having any difficulties keeping up with this schedule?”

“Have you noticed any changes such as yellowing of the skin/eyes, bone pain, or swelling of the abdomen that we should report to your healthcare team?”

✅ Answer Key: Thalassemia Anemia – True or False Patient Knowledge Check

True – Thalassemia is a blood problem where your body doesn’t make enough healthy red blood cells.
➤ This causes low oxygen in the body and makes you feel weak or tired.
False – You cannot catch thalassemia from someone else.
➤ It is a genetic condition, which means you are born with it.
True – Thalassemia is passed down from parents to their children.
➤ It is inherited, not caused by something you do.
True – Red blood cells carry oxygen to all parts of your body.
➤ Without enough oxygen, you feel tired and weak.
True – Feeling very tired is one of the main signs of thalassemia.
➤ This is because your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells.
False – People with thalassemia should not take iron pills unless their doctor says so.
➤ Extra iron can build up and hurt your body.
True – Pale skin and yellow eyes (called jaundice) can be symptoms of thalassemia.
➤ These signs happen when red blood cells break down too fast.
True – Healthy eating and drinking water can help you feel better.
➤ Good habits help your body stay strong.
True – Kids with thalassemia may grow more slowly than other kids.
➤ Their body may not get enough oxygen or nutrients.
True – Some people with thalassemia need blood transfusions.
➤ This gives them the healthy red blood cells they need.
False – You should always go to your checkups, even if you feel okay.
➤ Regular care helps you stay ahead of problems.
True – Feeling more tired than usual is a good reason to call your home nurse.
➤ It may mean your anemia is getting worse.
True – A fever over 101°F means you should go to the emergency room.
➤ It could be a serious infection.
False – Fast heartbeat and chest pain are serious and you should go to the ER.
➤ These signs could mean your body is not getting enough oxygen.
True – In some cases, a bone marrow transplant may help or cure thalassemia.
➤ This treatment is not for everyone, but can work for some people.
True – Always tell your care team about your thalassemia before any surgery.
➤ They need to take special care with your blood.
True – Rest is important when you feel tired or dizzy.
➤ Your body needs energy to stay strong.
True – It’s very important to avoid infections with thalassemia.
➤ Your immune system may be weaker.
False – Your family and caregivers should know you have thalassemia.
➤ They can help keep you safe and remind you about your care.
True – With the right care, you can still live a healthy life with thalassemia.
➤ Many people with thalassemia live full, happy lives.