Sickle Cell Anemia Overview
Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of disorders known as sickle cell disease. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited red blood cell disorder in which there aren’t enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout your body.
Normally, the flexible, round red blood cells move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These rigid, sticky cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body. There’s no cure for most people with sickle cell anemia. But treatments can relieve pain and help prevent complications associated with the disease.
Symptoms
- Anemia
- Episodes of pain
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth or puberty
- Vision problems
![](https://exultdiagnostics.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Sickled-Cell-1-1024x514.jpg)
When to see a Doctor
Sickle cell anemia is usually diagnosed in infancy through newborn screening programs. If you or your child develops fever, unexplained episodes of severe pain, swelling in the hands or feet, abdominal swelling, pale skin or nail beds, yellow tint, signs or symptoms of stroke see your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.