What are the treatment options for the different thalassemia trait types?

Regular blood transfusions are the most popular treatment for all types of thalassemia, according to Thalassemia Foundation of Canada. Patients who have thalassemia minor, thalassemia intermedia or thalassemia major typically undergo routine blood transfusions to stay healthy.

Thalassemia is a genetic disease that affects the blood. People who have any of the thalassemia types do not have the ability to produce normal hemoglobin, thus they are unable to produce healthy red blood cells, states Thalassemia Foundation of Canada. Thalassemia patients may also need iron overload treatment after they have undergone many blood transfusions. Chelation treatment can remove excess iron from the blood.