Thalassemia

ARTICLE SECTIONS

Introduction Signs and symptoms Causes Risk factors When to seek medical advice Screening and diagnosis

Complications Treatment Prevention Self-care Coping skills

Introduction

Thalassemia — also called Mediterranean anemia — is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Defects in the genes that make hemoglobin cause thalassemia. Hemoglobin is the substance in red blood cells that allows the cells to carry oxygen from your lungs to the other parts of your body. Because of low hemoglobin and a low amount of red blood cells, thalassemia results in anemia.

If you have a mild form of thalassemia, you may not require any treatment. But, if you have a more severe form, you may need blood transfusions on a regular basis. Although in some cases severe thalassemia can be life-threatening, milder forms of thalassemia usually can be effectively treated.

Although thalassemia causes anemia, don't confuse thalassemia with iron deficiency anemia. People with thalassemia often have more iron in their bodies than they need. For this reason, if you have thalassemia, don't take iron supplements unless your doctor recommends it.

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Signs and symptoms