We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are the Symptoms of Thalassemia?

By Nat Robinson
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 14,161
Share

Thalassemia is a disorder that affects the blood. It causes the body to produce a low amount of hemoglobin, a protein found in red blood cells to transport oxygen. This type of blood disorder is inherited from one or both parents. In many cases thalassemia can lead to anemia. The symptoms of thalassemia can vary from mild to moderate and some may be aligned with the classic symptoms of anemia.

Hemoglobin consists of two primary proteins, known as alpha globin and beta globin. A defect in the genes used to make up these proteins is the most general cause of thalassemia. If genes used to make alpha globin are mutated, a type of thalassemia known as alpha thalassemia can result. Similarly, if beta globin genes are defective, the condition may be known as beta thalassemia. When a person receives the defective genes from only one parent, he or she has a minor form of thalassemia; when the genes are contributed by both parents, it is a major form.

The symptoms of thalassemia may be insignificant in a person with a minor form of the disorder. In fact, when the condition is minor, a person may be unaware of the disorder prior to being diagnosed. An individual with a major form of thalassemia may exhibit a variety of symptoms. Weakness and classic symptoms of fatigue, such as low energy and tiredness can be symptoms of thalassemia. Some people may grow so weak they may experience fainting spells.

Shortness of breath, a rapid heartbeat and dark urine can be additional symptoms of thalassemia. In some cases, the shortness of breath may begin after a mild level of activity. For certain individuals with this blood disorder though, no exertion may be necessary to have shortness of breath. Individuals with a rapid heartbeat will most likely feel the disturbance. Additionally, the symptom of dark urine is one of the most visual symptoms.

Some people may develop a change in skin color. A person may start to have a very pale appearance. He or she may also experience yellowing of the white parts of the eyes and the skin. If this happens, the person may have jaundice, one of the symptoms of thalassemia. In many cases, these noticeable skin changes may lead a person to seek medical attention, where the diagnosis of thalassemia may be made.

Some children with this disorder will have a delayed growth. The child may permanently be shorter than other children in his or her age range. Bone deformities are also common in major forms of thalassemia. Most commonly, the deformities will be in the face. Blood and genetic tests may be conducted to diagnose thalassemia and treatment will typically depend on the greatest symptoms present.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-are-the-symptoms-of-thalassemia.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.