Sickle Cell Disease
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, so they move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, some red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These sickle cells also become rigid and sticky, which can slow or block blood flow.
What causes sickle cell disease?
Genes come in pairs. You inherit one set from your mother and one set from your father. To be born with sickle cell disease, a child has to inherit a copy of the sickle cell gene from both parents. This usually happens when both parents are "carriers" of the sickle cell gene, also known as having the sickle cell trait. It can also happen when one parent has sickle cell disease and the other is a carrier.
What are the symptoms of sickle cell anemia?
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age. They vary from person to person and may change over time. Symptoms include:
- Anemia
- Pain crisis
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth
- Delayed puberty
- Vision problems