Alpha thalassemia

A type of thalassemia (Red blood cell disorder) that is specifically due to underproduction of the Alpha hemoglobin chain. As opposed to Beta Thalassemia which is due to underproduction of Beta hemoglobin chain. Note: As opposed to hemoglobinopathies which have intrinsic defects in the hemoglobin chain leading to abnormal hemoglobin molecules (e.g. Sickle cell anemia), in thalassemias the hemoglobin molecule is usually not abnormal but rather underproduced.