I need an answer please

Hello everyone,
I'm new to this forum.

And I have a burning question.
When I was six years young I was diagnosed by doctors in Indonesia that I have Beta Thalassemia Minor.
Before that doctors in the Netherlands where I live thought I was just anaemic and I guess therefore gave me iron pills.
I was always told by my fosterparents that I had severe fever attacks when I was about 2 years until the age of 7 or 8. Is this maybe because I was taking iron pills? Or are fever attacks a result of beta thalassemia minor?
I don't have fever attacks anymore but I don't know when they stopped. It must be when I was a child. I'm 35 now.

I hope someone can answer my questions.
Thank you in advance.

Nelly Jochu

Hi Nelly,

to the site.

It is possible that your immune system was compromised due to your Thal. A low Hb will get a grown up feel sick and children have less immunity.

It is wise to keep your blood counts in check and make sure that your Serum Ferritin is not too high or low and take the proper action with the intake of Iron.

Hi Nelly and welcome,

it is possible that the iron caused the fevers. It is a common side effect of taking too much iron.

From http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/drug-information/DR602285

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
More common

    * Backache , groin, side, or muscle pain
    * Chest pain
    * Chills
    * Dizziness
    * Fainting
    * Fast heartbeat
    * Fever with increased sweating
    * Flushing
    * Headache
    * Metallic taste
    * Nausea or vomiting
    * Numbness, pain, or tingling of hands or feet
    * Pain or redness at injection site
    * Redness of skin
    * Skin rash or hives
    * Swelling of mouth or throat
    * Troubled breathing

Iron feeds bacteria and viruses so it may also be possible that it led to infections that caused fever.