What are the risks associated with thalassemia?

The main risks of thalassemia include the following: 1. Anemia and hypoxia: Thalassemia causes reduced hemoglobin synthesis, decreased red blood cell count, and diminished oxygen-carrying capacity, leading to symptoms of anemia and hypoxia, such as pallor, fatigue, and dizziness. 2. Facial deformities: Long-term severe anemia may lead to characteristic facial changes, including an enlarged skull, saddle nose, prominent forehead, high cheekbones, and increased distance between the eyes. 3. Hepatosplenomegaly: Anemia causes compensatory extramedullary hematopoiesis in the liver and spleen, resulting in splenic hyperfunction and symptoms of hepatosplenomegaly. 4. Complications: If not promptly controlled, complications such as heart failure, bronchitis, pneumonia, impaired liver function, severe infections, and pathological fractures may develop, posing serious threats to the patient's health and life.