HealthAugust 15, 2026

thalassemia

THAL-uh-SEE-mee-uh

Definition

A group of inherited blood disorders characterized by less hemoglobin and fewer red blood cells than normal, which can sometimes be asymptomatic.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek words 'thalassa' (sea) and 'haima' (blood), the term was coined in the 1930s because the condition was first identified in populations living around the Mediterranean Sea.

In the news

The article mentions thalassemia as an example of a genetic anemia that may produce no noticeable symptoms, highlighting why doctors must look beyond simple iron deficiency to find a diagnosis.

Health Spotlight | Why anemia might be more than just a lack of iron

Read the full article ↗

WISH-TV

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