Beta Thalassemia Index by MedicineNet.com

Beta Thalassemia Index

Featured: Beta Thalassemia Main Article

Beta Thalassemia is the most familiar type of thalassemia. Thalassemia is not just one disease but rather a complex series of genetic (inherited) disorders all of which involve underproduction of hemoglobin.

Patient Discussions - Viewers share their comments

Beta Thalassemia - Symptoms

Local Resources - Find a local Doctor in your town

Supplements & Vitamins

Vitamin E

Related Diseases & Conditions

Anemia Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin...learn more »
In This Article
Anemia Article
- Anemia facts*
- What is anemia?
- What causes anemia?
- Can inadequate iron cause anemia?
- What about acute (sudden) blood loss as a cause of anemia?
- What are other causes of anemia?
- Can anemia be hereditary?
- What are the symptoms of anemia?
- How is anemia diagnosed?
- What is a complete blood cell (CBC) count?
- How is blood collected for a complete blood cell (CBC)?
- What is the red blood cell (RBC) count?
- What is hemoglobin?
- What does a low hemoglobin level mean?
- What is the hematocrit?
- How is hematocrit determined?
- How is anemia treated?
- What are the complications of anemia?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for anemia?
Gallstones Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a...learn more »
In This Article
Gallstones Article
- Gallstones facts
- What are gallstones?
- What causes gallstones?
- Who is at risk for gallstones?
- What are the symptoms of gallstones?
- What are the complications of gallstones?
- What is the relationship of gallbladder sludge to gallstones?
- How are gallstones diagnosed?
- What are the potential pitfalls of diagnosing gallstones?
- How are gallstones treated?
- Can gallstones be prevented?
- Can symptoms continue after gallstones are removed?
- What is new with gallstones?
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) The spleen enlarges if it is asked to do excessive work in filtering or manufacturing blood cells, if there is abnormal blood...learn more »
In This Article
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Article
- What is an enlarged spleen?
- What are the causes of an enlarged spleen?
- What are the symptoms of an enlarged spleen?
- When should I seek medical care for an enlarged spleen?
- How is enlarged spleen diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for an enlarged spleen?
- What are the complications of an enlarged spleen?
- Can an enlarged spleen be prevented?
- What is the outlook (prognosis) for an enlarged spleen?
- Enlarged Spleen At A Glance
Malaria Malaria is an infectious disease transmitted by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Symptoms of malaria include chills,...learn more »
In This Article
Malaria Article
- What is malaria?
- What are malaria symptoms and signs?
- How is malaria transmitted?
- Where is malaria a particular problem?
- What is the incubation period for malaria?
- How is malaria diagnosed?
- What is the treatment for malaria?
- Is malaria a particular problem during pregnancy?
- Is malaria a particular problem for children?
- How do people avoid getting malaria?
- What is the prognosis (outcome) for people with malaria?
- Where can people get more information about malaria?
- Malaria At A Glance
Alpha Thalassemia Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the...learn more »
In This Article
Alpha Thalassemia Article
- Alpha thalassemia facts*
- What is alpha thalassemia?
- What are the symptoms of alpha thalassemia?
- What are the types of alpha thalassemia?
- How common is alpha thalassemia?
- What genes are related to alpha thalassemia?
- How do people inherit alpha thalassemia?
Genetic Counseling Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated...learn more »
In This Article
Genetic Counseling Article
- What are genetic professionals and what do they do?
- What is genetic counseling and evaluation?
- How do I find a genetic professional?
- How do I decide whether I need to see a geneticist or other specialist?