About Sickle Cell
About Sickle Cell
About Sickle Cell
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Instead of being round and flexible, these cells become stiff and crescent-shaped (“sickle”-shaped), which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain and organ damage. It is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact both patients and their families.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Instead of being round and flexible, these cells become stiff and crescent-shaped (“sickle”-shaped), which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain and organ damage. It is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact both patients and their families.
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. Instead of being round and flexible, these cells become stiff and crescent-shaped (“sickle”-shaped), which can block blood flow and lead to severe pain and organ damage. It is a lifelong condition that can significantly impact both patients and their families.
Sickle cell disease affects individuals across many communities, though it is more common among people whose ancestry traces to regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America. In the United States, it impacts approximately 70,000 to 100,000 people. Many families affected by sickle cell disease also face systemic barriers to healthcare access, making support and awareness even more critical.
Sickle cell disease affects individuals across many communities, though it is more common among people whose ancestry traces to regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America. In the United States, it impacts approximately 70,000 to 100,000 people. Many families affected by sickle cell disease also face systemic barriers to healthcare access, making support and awareness even more critical.
Sickle cell disease affects individuals across many communities, though it is more common among people whose ancestry traces to regions such as Africa, the Middle East, the Mediterranean, and parts of Central and South America. In the United States, it impacts approximately 70,000 to 100,000 people. Many families affected by sickle cell disease also face systemic barriers to healthcare access, making support and awareness even more critical.
Signs and Symptoms
Signs and Symptoms
*Tap the discs for more info.
*Tap the discs for more info.
Sickled cells block small blood vessels, causing pain
Ranges from mild to severe; may need medication, fluids, or hospitalization
Pain Episodes & Crises
Anemia
People with sickle cell disease, especially children, are at increased risk for harmful infections
Infections
Sickle cell disease can increase the risk of stroke, especially in children
Stroke Risk
Infection or spleen enlargement can worsen anemia
Spleen complications may require a blood transfusion
Severe Anemia from
Spleen Problems
A serious complication of sickle cell disease
Chest pain, breathing problems, cough, fever, or low oxygen
Acute Chest Syndrome
Sickled cells block small blood vessels, causing pain
Ranges from mild to severe; may need medication, fluids, or hospitalization
Pain Episodes & Crises
Anemia
People with sickle cell disease, especially children, are at increased risk for harmful infections
Infections
Sickle cell disease can increase the risk of stroke, especially in children
Stroke Risk
Infection or spleen enlargement can worsen anemia
Spleen complications may require a blood transfusion
Severe Anemia from
Spleen Problems
A serious complication of sickle cell disease
Chest pain, breathing problems, cough, fever, or low oxygen
Acute Chest Syndrome
