All about Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood disease that takes place when an individual’s red blood cells take up the shape of a sickle, rather than the usual shape of a red blood cell which is round. Due to this they start functioning abnormally.

The function of red blood cells is to carry oxygen around the body, so that every part receives its required amount adequately. The round or disc shaped red blood cells easily pass through the body to different organs, in order to transport blood.

However, when the condition of sickle cell anemia takes place, the cells shaped as sickles get stuck in vessels which are too narrow. This results in deficiency of oxygen in various parts of the body where the cells could not reach.

Moreover, body organs such as the heart, brain and kidneys which require constant blood flow, stop working properly and may cause a life threatening situation for the individual. This condition results in acute pain most of the time, and if the crisis seems to worsen, damage of the lungs or liver may also result.

The symptoms for sickle cell are various; however the individuals suffering from it may not experience them all at the same time.  Moreover, some people may experience these symptoms in a mild form, while for others they may be so serious, that hospitalization of the sufferers may become necessary.

This condition is present at birth, however most infants may not start showing up signs of it till the time they reach four months of age. Accompanied with pain that is the most important and frequently experienced symptom, fatigue, which is feeling tired and weak, may also be accompanied. Other symptoms include breathlessness, feeling dizzy, severe headaches, rapid heart rate, abdominal pain, chest pain and vomiting.

The hands and feet may become cold, and the individuals’ skin may appear to be quite pale. A few other examples of what the sufferer may experience include bloody urination, pain in the penis and decreased fertility.

Children who are suffering from sickle cell anemia may feel pain in the stomach, chest or bones as the blood vessels start clogging up. The degree and duration of pain may vary from one to another, as it may last a few minutes or may linger for several days.

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About the author

Erina Tai is a professional blogger who also writes about Metrologic barcode scanners and PDA barcode scanner.

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