Recognising Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited conditions that affect the red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anemia. This article looks at recognising Sickle Cell Anemia signs and symptoms.
Sickle cell disease is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
Sickle cell disease mainly affects people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin. In the UK, it’s particularly common in people with an African or Caribbean family background.
Sickle cell disease is a serious and lifelong condition, although long-term treatment can help manage many of the problems associated with it.
Symptoms of sickle cell disease
People born with sickle cell disease sometimes experience problems from early childhood, although most children have few symptoms and lead normal lives most of the time.
The main symptoms:
- painful episodes called sickle cell crisis, which can be very severe and can last up to a week
- an increased risk of serious infections
- anaemia (where red blood cells can’t carry enough oxygen around the body), which can cause tiredness and shortness of breath
Treatments for sickle cell disease
People with sickle cell disease will need specialist care throughout their lives.
A number of treatments are available to help manage problems caused by the condition. For example:
- painful episodes can sometimes be prevented by drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm
- pain can often be treated with ordinary painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, although sometimes treatment with stronger painkillers in hospital may be necessary
- the risk of infections can be reduced by taking daily antibiotics and ensuring you’re fully vaccinated Sickle cell disease is very variable, but most children with it will lead happy and normal lives.
However, it can still be a serious condition that can have a significant impact on a person’s life.
You can view more of our Paediatric First Aid videos on the following links:
How to perform CPR on an Infant
How to treat a choking child or infant
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