What type of anemia affects young individuals and is often genetically inherited?

Sickle cell anemia is a specific type of genetic disorder that affects young individuals and is indeed inherited in an autosomal recessive pattern. This means that a person must inherit the sickle cell gene from both parents in order to develop the condition. Sickle cell anemia is caused by a mutation in the hemoglobin gene, leading to the production of abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. This abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume a sickle or crescent shape, which can lead to various complications, including pain crises, increased risk of infections, and other health issues.

The prevalence of sickle cell anemia is particularly noted among certain ethnic groups, making it a condition frequently encountered in pediatric and young adult populations. It differs from other types of anemia, such as iron deficiency anemia, which is primarily related to nutritional deficiencies rather than genetic factors, and megaloblastic anemia, which is often due to vitamin B12 or folate deficiencies. Hemolytic anemia, while it can be inherited or acquired, typically results from the destruction of red blood cells rather than being a primary genetic disorder affecting younger individuals in the way sickle cell anemia does.