Thalassemia is a genetic condition and is caused by mutation in the genetic material of cells that make haemoglobin which is involved in the transportation of oxygen. This mutation can be passed from parents to their children.
The main risk factors for thalassaemia include:
Family history: If either parent carries the genetic mutations responsible for thalassaemia, there is a higher likelihood of inheriting the condition. This is especially true for both alpha and beta thalassaemia.
Ethnic background: People of certain ethnicities are at higher risk. Thalassaemia is most common among those of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, South Asian and African descent due to the higher prevalence of the genes that cause this condition in these populations.
Carrying the thalassaemia gene: Even if an individual does not show symptoms, they may be a carrier of the thalassaemia trait (thalassaemia minor) and can pass it on to their children.
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