Symptoms of hemoglobinopathies can vary depending on the specific disorder and its severity. Common symptoms include:
- Anemia: Fatigue, weakness, and pallor due to reduced red blood cell count.
- Pain Crises: Sudden episodes of severe pain, especially in sickle cell disease, caused by sickled red blood cells blocking blood flow.
- Jaundice: Yellowing of the skin and eyes due to the breakdown of red blood cells.
- Growth Delays: Delayed growth and development in children due to chronic anemia.
- Organ Damage: Damage to organs such as the spleen, liver, and heart due to reduced oxygen delivery and repeated episodes of blood vessel blockage.
- Increased Infections: Higher susceptibility to infections, particularly in patients with sickle cell disease.