Wednesday 11th September 2024

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Did you know that September is Sickle Cell awareness month? 

Sickle cell disease is a group of inherited conditions that affect red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anaemia. It is common among people with an African or Caribbean family background.

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So what exactly does it mean?

Red blood cells are usually round and flexible, moving easily through blood vessels. However, people with sickle cell disease produce unusually shaped crescent moonlike blood cells. Sickle cell disease varies between individuals from mild to serious, but most people with it lead happy and normal lives.

 

What are some of the symptoms?

• Anaemia - Sickle cells break apart easily and die, leaving a shortage of red blood cells. This is known as anaemia. Without enough red blood cells, the body can't get enough oxygen which also causes fatigue.

• Episodes of extreme pain - This is often called a pain crises and is a major symptom of sickle cell anaemia. Irregularly shaped cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to the chest, abdomen and joints causing agony.
  The pain varies in intensity and can last for a few hours to a few days. Some people have only a few pain crises a year. Others have a dozen or more a year. A severe pain crisis requires a hospital stay.

• Swelling of hands and feet - Poor blood circulation can cause them to swell.

• Frequent infections - The spleen is important for protecting against infections, which sickle cells can damage. Babies and children with sickle cell anaemia commonly receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia.

• Delayed growth or puberty - A shortage of healthy red blood cells can slow growth in babies and children and delay puberty in teenagers.

• Vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells. 

 

Could I have sickle cell and not know?

A sickle cell carrier (aka having the sickle cell trait) is someone who carries the gene that causes the disease but does not have it themselves. Some are at risk of having a child with it if their partner is also a carrier. You can request a blood test to check if you carry the sickle cell trait from ourselves or your nearest sickle cell centre.

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When should I see a doctor?

We advise visiting us right away if you or your child has symptoms of sickle cell anaemia, including fever or stroke.

Infections often start with a fever and can be life-threatening. Because children with sickle cell anaemia are prone to infections, seek prompt medical attention for a fever greater than 38.5 degrees.

 

 

 

Finding out as much as possible about sickle cell disease may help you feel more in control of your illness.

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Our Director and in-house GP Dr Vicky Minkah-Adom also regularly updates our social media channels. Check us out on Instagram, Facebook, Linkedin and YouTube for more content. 

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