Thalassemia is a genetic blood disorder that affects the production of hemoglobin in the body. Symptoms of thalassemia include fatigue, weakness, pale skin, and jaundice. Synonyms for the term thalassemia include Cooley's anemia, Mediterranean anemia, and beta thalassemia. Cooley's anemia is named after the physician who first described the condition in 1925 and Mediterranean anemia is used because the disorder is prevalent in populations originating from the Mediterranean region. Beta thalassemia refers to a specific type of thalassemia that affects the production of beta-globin, a component of hemoglobin. Understanding the various synonyms for thalassemia can help individuals recognize and research the condition more effectively.