It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Alpha Thalassemia, when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Iron Deficiency Anaemia.
Iron deficiency anaemia is a condition where the red blood cells in the body are unable to carry oxygen to tissues and organs due to a lack of iron. Symptoms include extreme fatigue, weakness, pale skin, chest pain, fast heartbeat, light-headedness, cold hands and feet, inflammation or soreness of the tongue, brittle nails, unusual cravings for non-nutritive substances like ice, and dirt and poor appetite in children. Iron deficiency anaemia can be misdiagnosed for alpha thalassemia.