Sickle Cell Disease

• Pain crises can be triggered by dehydration, infection, cold exposure or stress.
• Complications include anemia, infections, stroke risk and acute chest syndrome.
• Treatment includes hydration/pain control, vaccines, hydroxyurea and transfusions in selected cases.

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder where hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. These cells can block blood flow and lead to severe pain episodes (vaso-occlusive crises).

Patients may also have chronic anemia, repeated infections and organ complications. Fever, chest pain, severe breathlessness, or weakness on one side of the body are emergency symptoms that require urgent medical attention.

Management includes good hydration, pain control during crises, preventive vaccines, and hydroxyurea for many patients. Some situations require blood transfusions, and selected patients may be candidates for curative treatments.