Beta thalassemia is an inherited blood disorder in which the body doesn’t make hemoglobin normally. Hemoglobin is the part of red blood cells (RBCs) that carries oxygen throughout the body. The abnormal hemoglobin can lead to anemia (not enough RBCs in the body) and other medical problems.

Depending on the type of beta thalassemia, symptoms can be mild or very severe. There are treatments that can help with symptoms.