Thalassaemia
What is Thalassaemia?
Thalassaemia is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect a substance in the blood called haemoglobin. People with thalassaemia produce either no or too little haemoglobin, which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. This can make them very anaemic (tired, short of breath and pale). It mainly affects people of Mediterranean, south Asian, southeast Asian and Middle Eastern origin.
There are different types of thalassaemia, which can be divided into alpha and beta thalassaemia's. Beta thalassaemia major is the most severe type. Other types include beta thalassaemia intermedia, alpha thalassaemia major and haemoglobin H disease.
It's also possible to be a "carrier" of thalassaemia, also known as having the thalassaemia trait. Being a beta thalassaemia carrier will not generally cause you any health problems, but you're at risk of having children with thalassaemia.
Long Term Effects
Although the main health problems associated with thalassaemia can often be managed with treatment, it's still a serious health condition that can have a significant impact on a person's life.
Even in mild cases, there's still a risk you could pass on a more serious type to your children. Close monitoring and regular treatment will be needed to prevent complications, such as organ damage in the future.