Causes of Anemia: What Is Beta Thalassemia?

Anemia is commonly linked to iron deficiency. However, anemia can happen for a number of reasons. One cause of anemia is a condition called thalassemia.

“Thalassemias are inherited conditions where one makes [fewer functional] red blood cells than needed,” says Jonathan Feld, MD, Hematology Specialist at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City. “That’s because there are issues producing the hemoglobin protein that is the core of every red blood cell.”

What is beta thalassemia?

There are four units of hemoglobin in a red blood cell. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Two of the units are called alpha hemoglobin, and two of the units are called beta hemoglobin. 

People with beta thalassemia have issues making beta hemoglobin in their red blood cells. People with alpha thalassemia have decreased alpha hemoglobin.

How does beta thalassemia cause anemia?

When you have anemia, your body is unable to carry enough oxygen throughout your body. The red blood cells need hemoglobin in order to carry oxygen. Due to low beta hemoglobin, people with beta thalassemia may have anemia.

Symptoms of anemia may include:

• Fatigue (feeling tired) and weakness

• Always feeling cold

• Dizziness

• Irritability

• Shortness of breath

• Headaches

• Whooshing sound in ears

• Pale or yellow skin

• Fast or irregular heartbeat

What causes beta thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia is an inherited disorder. That means it can be passed down from one or both parents.

Some people may have the thalassemia trait but not have symptoms. These are carriers. They may not need treatment, but they can still pass on the trait to children. 

There are several treatment options for beta thalassemia; newer therapies are in the research stage. Talk to a hematologist to learn more about treatment to improve symptoms and quality of life.