Sickle Cell Disease Symptoms

Sickle cell disease (SCD) affects the red blood cells, making them hard and shaped like a sickle or a banana instead of round and flexible. These oddly shaped cells can block blood flow and break down faster than normal, leading to a variety of health problems. Here are some of the most common symptoms and what they mean in simple terms:

Anaemia:
Anemia happens when the body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen around. Without enough oxygen, a person can feel tired, weak, dizzy, or short of breath. It’s like when a car runs low on fuel — the body doesn’t have enough energy to keep going strong.

Painful swelling:
Sometimes, people with sickle cell disease get painful swelling in their hands and feet. This is called dactylitis. It happens when the sickle-shaped blood cells block normal blood flow, causing the area to become swollen, hot, and sore.

Jaundice:
Jaundice makes the skin, eyes, and even the inside of the mouth look yellow. This happens because sickle cells break down faster than normal red blood cells, creating a yellow substance called bilirubin that builds up in the body.

Painful episodes:
People with sickle cell disease can have sudden attacks of pain called sickle crises. These episodes happen when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to parts of the body. The pain can be very strong and often hits the chest, arms, or legs.

Acute chest syndrome:
This is a serious problem that occurs when sickle cells block the blood vessels in the lungs. It can make breathing hard and cause chest pain, fever, and coughing. It’s an emergency and needs quick medical care.

Delayed growth:
Children with sickle cell disease often grow more slowly than other kids their age. Because their red blood cells don’t carry enough oxygen, their bodies don’t get all the energy they need to grow and develop on time.

Frequent infections:
People with sickle cell disease get infections more easily because their spleen — the organ that helps fight germs — also doesn’t work. This makes it important for them to get vaccines and medical check-ups regularly.

Priapism:
Priapism happens when sickle cells block blood flow in the penis. It causes a painful, long-lasting erection that won’t go away on its own. If not treated quickly, it can lead to problems getting or keeping an erection later in life.

Image credit to Kadrmas Eye Care New England

Other complications of SCD include:

Vision problems:
Tiny blood vessels in the eyes can get blocked by sickle cells, which may cause blurry vision or other eyesight issues. Over time, this can lead to damage to the retina — the part of the eye that helps you see clearly.

Leg ulcers:
Some people with SCD develop open sores, especially around the ankles. Poor blood flow and fragile skin make it harder for these wounds to heal.

Bone and joint pain:
Besides sickle crises, chronic (long-lasting) pain can happen in the bones and joints due to repeated blood flow blockages and bone tissue damage.

Gallstones:
Because red blood cells break down quickly in SCD, bilirubin builds up and can form stones in the gallbladder, causing stomach pain and nausea.

Stroke:
Sickle cells can block blood flow to the brain, leading to a stroke. Warning signs include sudden weakness on one side of the body, trouble speaking, or vision loss.

Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation in the hemoglobin S gene. Symptoms usually begin in early childhood, around 5 or 6 months of age.