Your child will always have a mild anemia or slightly low blood count. This may result in occasional tiredness or weakness. Most information about sickle cell anemia also applies to sickle beta zero thalassemia. Because your child is more susceptible to infections than other children, he or she will probably be put on penicillin in order to help prevent these infections from occurring. It is important that your child take penicillin as directed.
Painful episodes can occur with sickle beta zero thalassemia.
These painful episodes occur most commonly in the back, stomach, arms, and legs. They can last for a few hours to as much as a week or more. Occasionally, the pain is accompanied by swelling. Painful episodes can vary in severity of the pain and the duration. There are medications to help ease the pain and make your child more comfortable.