Thalassemia is an inherited blood condition that affects the production of hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells. Learn about the types, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of thalassemia from WebMD. Thalassemias are a group of inherited blood disorders that manifest as the production of reduced hemoglobin. [7] . Symptoms depend on the type of thalassemia and can vary from none to severe, including death. [1] . Thalassemia is one of the most common inherited blood disorders. It is often referred to as a haemoglobin disorder. This genetic condition impacts human blood cells and is characterised by reduced production of haemoglobin and a decrease in the number of red blood cells. Haemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells, is responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues and organs. It is crucial for maintaining energy levels. A decline in haemoglobin levels can lead to severe ... Thalassemia includes a number of different forms of anemia (red blood cell deficiency). The two main types are called alpha and beta thalassemias, depending on which part of an oxygen-carrying protein (called hemoglobin) is lacking in the red blood cells.
