Normally, each person has four genes for alpha globin. Alpha thalassemia happens when one or more of the genes that control the making of alpha globins is absent or defective. It can cause anemia ranging from mild to severe and is most commonly found in people of African, Middle Eastern, Chinese, Southeast Asian, and, occasionally, Mediterranean descent.

Some children with alpha thalassemia have no symptoms and require no treatment. Others with more severe cases need regular blood transfusions to treat anemia and other symptoms. A child can only get alpha thalassemia by inheriting it from his or her parents. Genes are “building blocks” that play an important role in determining physical traits and many other things about us.