Thalassemias are inherited blood disorders. This is passed on from parents to children through the genes. Thalassemia is also known as Mediterranean anemia and it is characterized by having less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells in your body than normal. Defects in the genes that make hemoglobin cause thalassemia. 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 thalassemia causes anemia, don't confuse thalassemia with iron deficiency anemia. People with thalassemia often have more iron in their bodies than they need, so this always needs to be checked before any supplements are given.
Types of Thalassemia:
Alpha-thalassemia: Four genes are involved in making the alpha hemoglobin chain. The more defective genes you have, the more severe your alpha-thalassemia:
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One gene. If only one of your alpha hemoglobin genes is defective, you'll have no signs or symptoms of thalassemia.
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Two genes. If you have two defective alpha hemoglobin genes, thalassemia signs and symptoms are mild.
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Three genes. If three of your alpha hemoglobin genes are defective, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe.
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Four genes. When all four alpha hemoglobin genes are defective, the condition is called alpha-thalassemia major or hydrops fetalis.
Beta-thalassemia: Two genes are involved in making the beta hemoglobin chain.
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One gene. If one of your beta hemoglobin genes is defective, you have mild signs and symptoms. This is a minor condition.
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Two genes. If both of your beta hemoglobin genes are defective, your signs and symptoms will be moderate to severe. This condition is called beta-thalassemia major or Cooley's anemia.
