Can thalassaemia cause anaemia?

Haemoglobin carries oxygen inside red blood cells. In thalassaemia, inherited changes affect one part of haemoglobin production, so red blood cells may be smaller, fragile, or produced in lower amounts. The type and severity of thalassaemia influence how much anaemia develops. Tiredness, pale skin, breathlessness with activity, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat can occur, although mild anaemia may cause few symptoms.

A clinician may review a full blood count, haemoglobin pattern, family history, and other tests to distinguish thalassaemia from iron deficiency or another cause. Do not start iron simply because anaemia is present; iron helps only when deficiency is confirmed and unnecessary iron can accumulate in some people with thalassaemia. Management may involve specialist follow-up, monitoring, and treatment matched to the individual form of the condition.

Arrange medical review for persistent fatigue, breathlessness, fainting, new paleness, or a racing heartbeat. Seek urgent help for severe breathlessness at rest, chest pain, collapse, confusion, or marked weakness. People with known thalassaemia should follow their specialist plan and report a sudden change from their usual symptoms.

Ask which type of thalassaemia you have, whether iron deficiency has been tested, how often blood counts should be checked, and whether genetic counselling or specialist review would be useful for your family.