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Sickle Cell Disease
Inherited red blood cells that become sickle-shaped.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek emergency care for chest pain with trouble breathing (possible acute chest syndrome), fever, stroke signs (sudden weakness or trouble speaking), or a painful erection lasting hours.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells become sickle-shaped, break down early, and can block blood flow, causing pain and organ damage.
Symptoms
- Pain crises (sudden, severe pain, often in bones, chest, or abdomen)
- Fatigue and shortness of breath from anemia
- Swelling in the hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Causes
Inherited - a gene change makes abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S). A person gets SCD by inheriting the sickle gene from both parents.
Types
- HbSS (sickle cell anemia - most common and usually most severe)
- HbSC and HbS beta-thalassemia (usually milder)
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with a newborn blood test or a hemoglobin electrophoresis test that identifies abnormal hemoglobin.
Treatment
Care includes pain management, hydration, hydroxyurea to reduce crises, vaccines and penicillin to prevent infection, and sometimes blood transfusions. Some people can be cured with a stem-cell transplant.
Living with it
- Drink plenty of water
- Take hydroxyurea and preventive antibiotics as prescribed
- Stay up to date on vaccines, including pneumococcal and flu
- Avoid extreme cold, heat, and high altitude when possible
- Keep regular appointments with a sickle cell specialist
Complications
- Acute chest syndrome
- Stroke
- Severe infections
- Organ damage (kidneys, spleen, eyes)
- Gallstones and leg ulcers
Resources
Frequently asked questions
What is a pain crisis?
A vaso-occlusive crisis - sickle cells block small blood vessels, causing sudden, severe pain. It is the most common reason people with SCD seek care.
Join the Sickle Cell Disease community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with sickle cell disease. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.