What Are Symptoms and Complications of Beta Thalassemia?

Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder. It may cause you to have not enough hemoglobin, which is a protein in your red blood cells that carries oxygen. This may cause anemia, when your body is unable to carry enough oxygen throughout the body.

Some people carry the trait but do not have symptoms, but they can still pass on the trait to children. For people who have symptoms, beta thalassemia may range from mild to severe. “Severe anemia is the main complication related to more aggressive forms of beta thalassemia,” says Jonathan Feld, MD, Hematology Specialist at The Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City.

Why trust our experts?

Written by:

Lauren Smith, MA

Lauren Smith, MA, has worked in health journalism since 2017. Before joining GoodRx, she was the senior health editor and writer for HealthiNation.

Reviewed by:

Brian Clista, MD

Dr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.

Our editorial standards

Meet our experts