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What is Thalassemia Anemia?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Thalassemia anemia is a recessive genetic condition found in people of Mediterranean descent. A large family of related conditions are known collectively as thalassemias, and these conditions can take a number of forms. In some regions where these conditions are endemic, governments have strongly recommended blood testing to identify carriers and make thalassemia anemia less common, and to identify cases early in pregnancy so that the appropriate supportive care can be provided.

This condition is characterized by a abnormal hemoglobin molecules in the blood. There are three types, each named after the type of globin chain involved: alpha, beta, and delta thalassemia. Because this trait is recessive, people with only one copy of the defective gene usually experience mild anemia or no symptoms, while people with both copies have more severe symptoms.

Blood screenings may be recommended for patients suspected of having thalassemia anemia.
Blood screenings may be recommended for patients suspected of having thalassemia anemia.

Alpha thalassemia anemia takes the form of hemoglobin H or alpha major thalassemia. Hemoglobin H or alpha minor is associated with hemolytic anemia, in which the blood cells break down in response to various environmental triggers, causing anemia. It can be treated with medications and dietary management. Alpha major is usually incompatible with life: people who are born with this condition will die shortly after birth, if not before.

In advanced cases, the only solution for Cooley’s anemia may be blood transfusions on a recurring basis.
In advanced cases, the only solution for Cooley’s anemia may be blood transfusions on a recurring basis.

Beta thalassemia, the most common form, also has a major and minor variant. The minor variant typically causes minimal symptoms, while the major version, also known as Cooley's Anemia, can be treated with blood transfusions to up the hemoglobin level, along with medications to help the body express iron so that iron will not build up in the body. These conditions are very manageable, as long as patients stay on top of their regimens.

Thalassemia anemia is a recessive genetic condition found in people of Mediterranean descent.
Thalassemia anemia is a recessive genetic condition found in people of Mediterranean descent.

Delta thalassemia is closely related to beta thalassemia anemia, and it usually causes few to no symptoms in the patient. However, people can have both beta and delta thalassemia, and the presence of the delta form can obscure the beta form, which can lead to complications in proper diagnosis and treatment. For this reason, additional testing is sometimes recommended for people with delta thalassemia anemia to confirm that they do not have the more problematic beta form.

Thalassemia anemia appears in regions where malaria is endemic.
Thalassemia anemia appears in regions where malaria is endemic.

In addition to being found in people of Mediterranean descent, thalassemia anemia also appears in regions where malaria is endemic. This type of anemia confers some resistance against malaria infection, which explains why the trait has persisted for so long. People who are curious about whether or not they are carriers can request bloodwork or genetic tests to check for anemia or the problem gene.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

aviva

@ladyjane - Anemia can come in different forms but the most common one is the iron-deficiency anemia. This is the kind where people don't have enough hemoglobin because they don't eat enough foods high in iron. Changes to your diet will usually improve the condition.

Thalassemia is a severe anemia where people don't have enough homoglobin because of an inherited defective gene. It is a very serious anemia disease and thalassemia major symptoms usually show up in young children. They can appear normal at birth but will begin to show signs of the disease around three to eighteen months of age.

Some of the symptoms may be pale skin, lack of sleep, loss of appetite and frequent vomiting. If left untreated, the child usually dies between one to eight years of age.

ladyjane

What exactly is the difference between a normal case of anemia and thalassemia anemia? Also since thalassemia major is a hereditary disease, what are some of the symptoms associated with it and at about what age do they begin to show signs?

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    • Blood screenings may be recommended for patients suspected of having thalassemia anemia.
      By: Wojciech Sobiech
      Blood screenings may be recommended for patients suspected of having thalassemia anemia.
    • In advanced cases, the only solution for Cooley’s anemia may be blood transfusions on a recurring basis.
      By: Max Tactic
      In advanced cases, the only solution for Cooley’s anemia may be blood transfusions on a recurring basis.
    • Thalassemia anemia is a recessive genetic condition found in people of Mediterranean descent.
      By: 3dvin
      Thalassemia anemia is a recessive genetic condition found in people of Mediterranean descent.
    • Thalassemia anemia appears in regions where malaria is endemic.
      By: claffra
      Thalassemia anemia appears in regions where malaria is endemic.
    • People with severe forms of thalassemia require treatment to provide the blood with hemoglobin, which is an iron-carrying protein found in red blood cells.
      By: designua
      People with severe forms of thalassemia require treatment to provide the blood with hemoglobin, which is an iron-carrying protein found in red blood cells.
    • Thalassemia anemia is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin molecules in the blood.
      By: Boggy
      Thalassemia anemia is characterized by the presence of abnormal hemoglobin molecules in the blood.