Thalassaemia - Symptoms of thalassaemia

Most babies born with beta thalassaemia won't show symptoms until they're about six months old.

This is because babies begin life with foetal haemoglobin, which is different to normal haemoglobin. Foetal haemoglobin is replaced by normal haemoglobin six months after a baby is born.

Symptoms of beta thalassaemia major (BTM) usually start at around six months of age and include:

• growth problems – not putting on weight or growing in height
• anaemia – red blood cell deficiency, leading to tiredness, weakness and shortness of breath
• jaundice – yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes
• swollen abdomen (tummy) – this is caused by an enlarged liver or spleen

Children with BTM or severe beta thalassaemia intermedia (BTI) may also experience skeletal deformities (unusual bone growth). This is because their body will try to compensate for the lack of haemoglobin by producing more bone marrow.

Further problems can be as a result of a build-up of iron caused by the body absorbing more iron from food in an effort to create more haemoglobin. Excess iron can also build up from having blood transfusions.

Too much iron in the body can cause tissue damage, particularly to the liver and spleen, making the person more vulnerable to infection. Iron can also affect the body's hormonal system, resulting in development during puberty being delayed or not happening at all.

BTM is a serious condition that places an intolerable strain on the body if left untreated. Lifelong blood transfusions will be needed to treat it.

Read more about how thalassaemia is treated.