Sickle Cell Disease

Overview

Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition where red blood cells form a rigid, sickle shape instead of their normal flexible disc shape. These cells can block blood flow and break down more easily, causing pain episodes and other complications.

Symptoms

Episodes of severe pain (often in the chest, back, arms, or legs), fatigue from chronic anaemia, swelling in hands and feet, frequent infections, delayed growth in children, and vision problems.

Risk Factors

Sickle cell disease occurs when a person inherits the sickle cell gene from both parents; it's most common in people with African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian ancestry.

Common Blood Tests

Haemoglobin electrophoresis or genetic testing confirms the diagnosis, typically identified through newborn screening.

Lifestyle Information

Staying well hydrated, avoiding extreme temperatures, managing stress, keeping up to date with vaccinations, and following prescribed treatments (which may include hydroxyurea) all help reduce complications.

When to seek medical advice

Seek urgent care for severe pain episodes, fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing — these can indicate serious complications requiring prompt treatment.

Sources