There are different kinds of Thalassaemia, which can be divided into alpha and beta categories. Beta Thalassaemia is more serious. It is also possible to have ‘Thalassaemia Trait’, in which you are a carrier of the condition, but do not experience symptoms. Those who are carriers have a high risk of having children with Thalassaemia.
Thalassaemia can have a great impact on a person’s day-to-day living, with the potential to pass the condition on to their children. The condition can cause organ failure and damage, and in extreme cases, be life-threatening. Thankfully, in the present day modern treatments are helping people to live longer with Thalassaemia. Many people are living well into their 50s and 60s following initial diagnosis.
Those with Thalassaemia tend to have their symptoms identified when they are just a few months old. It is also possible to have the condition identified in late childhood or even adulthood. Those suffering from Thalassaemia tend to experience the following symptoms: