A blood disorder involving less than normal amounts of an oxygen-carrying protein.
Overview
Thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder characterized by less oxygen-carrying protein (hemoglobin) and fewer red blood cells in the body than normal.
Symptoms
Symptoms include fatigue, weakness, paleness and slow growth.
Treatments
Mild forms may not need treatment. Severe forms may require blood transfusions or a donor stem cell transplant.
