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Some diseases affect the blood. One group of blood disorders is called sickle cell disease (SCD). It damages red blood cells by changing the shape. Healthy red blood cells are a flexible disc shape. Their shape allows them to move easily through the body. With SDC, red blood cells become stiff, sickle-shape cells that block blood flow, which causes pain and organ damage.
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reveals individuals with SCD also have abnormal hemoglobin (hemoglobin S) – a protein that helps our bodies use oxygen.
When someone has SCD, it means they’ve inherited two abnormal hemoglobin genes – one from each parent. Despite widespread misconceptions that SCD is only found in the Black community, SCD can actually affect anyone of any race or ethnicity.
Fortunately, modern medicine can now identify SCD before it begins to complicate a child’s daily life. When a child is born with SCD, parents will know long before symptoms start to show (at around five to six months of age). In the United States, it is required that all newborns receive screening for SCD. Some children may experience problems early on while others won’t have problems until later in life.
Early symptoms include:
As every person is different, symptoms may be different for each person and change over time. Most of the visible signs of SCD are related to complications.
Pain can occur in people with SCD when the delivery of oxygen throughout the body is blocked. They may experience crisis pain – pain that lasts for several hours or even several days. This happens when sickled cells block small blood vessels that carry blood to the bones. The pain is described as sharp, intense, stabbing or throbbing. Individuals who experience a pain crisis can be hospitalized for several days. The pain can affect any part of the body and more than one area at a time. The pain often occurs in the:
Along with crisis pain, individuals with SCD can suffer from other complications, including:
Education and understanding are always important first steps when living with any kind of chronic illness. If you or your child has SCD, learn as much as possible. Build a relationship with your doctor so you feel comfortable asking questions. Developing a plan to manage your disease and complications can also help.
Babies and children with SCD should be seen by a doctor with experience caring for patients with the disease. Seeing a hematologist, or blood disease specialist, may also be a care option. People living with SCD should see their care provider regularly – every three to 12 months for preventive measures.
As with many other conditions, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help limit complications. Strengthen your body with:
Limit activities that can harm your health. Stop smoking. Drink alcohol in moderation. Steer clear of situations that can trigger a pain crisis. Take time to rest. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, and avoid extreme heat or cold.
For more information about SCD and resources, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website or the American Society of Hematology.
Originally published 2/3/2017; Revised 2021