Thalassaemia is a blood disorder caused by the formation of abnormal haemoglobin, which destroys red blood cells. Thalassaemia alpha occurs primarily in people from Southeast Asia, the Middle East, China, and those of African descent, while thalassaemia beta is more common in those of Mediterranean origin, Chinese, Asians, and African Americans. Thalassaemia major causes stillbirths and in children results in bone deformities, jaundice, fatigue, stunted growth, and shortness of breath, and is treated through regular blood transfusions and folate supplements, whereas thalassaemia minor shows no symptoms.

2. Formation of an abnormal form of haemoglobin
which leads to destruction of Red Blood Cells.

3. Thalassaemia alpha
Occurs mostly to people from Southeast Asia,
Middle East China and those of African decent
Thalassaemia beta
Occurs mostly to those
of Mediterranean origin
and to a lesser extent,
Chinese, Asians and
African Americans.
Thalassaemia major
Thalassaemia minor

5. Thalassaemia major:
Stillbirth.
Children:
 Bone deformities in the face
 yellow skin (jaundice)
 Fatigue
 growth failure
 shortness of breath
Thalassaemia minor:
No symptoms.

6.  Regular blood transfusions
 Folate supplements.