The first thing you need to know about your red blood cell is that they are round and flexible. It is this shape and characteristic that makes them move around easily through your blood vessels.

On World Sickle Cell Day, we try and explore what makes sickle cell anemia a feared disease. What happens to the blood cells and what are the things you should know about this disease?

In sickle cell anemia, the normal red cells turn sticky. They literally are in the shape of a crescent moon or a sickle instead of the healthy round shape that promotes their flexibility. The problem with the irregularity in shape is that these cells get stuck and are not healthy enough to carry blood. This prevents and blocks the flow of oxygen to the body.

Here are a few things you need to know about the Sickle Cell Disease

Birth defect

Sickle cell anemia is not a disease that is acquired during your lifetime. If someone has sickle cell anemia, it is present from their birth. However, the problems are not recognized until the baby is about a few months old.

 

Episodes of pain

Pain of varying intensity that lasts anything between a few hours to a few weeks can occur for those who suffer from the sickle cell disease. This pain can also occur in their bones and this can develop into chronic pain.

 

Swelling

Swelling of hands and feet is a common symptom of sickle cell anaemia – this swelling is usually caused because the sickle shaped blood cells block oxygen flow to the hands and feet.

 

Infections

One of the major concerns with sickle cell anaemia is that it can damage the organs that help the body fight infections and this would mean that those with sickle cell anaemia are more prone to infections.

 

Delayed growth

Red blood cells are the ones that provide oxygen and nutrients to your body and a problem with them means that your body is not getting the nutrients it needs to grow. This is why delayed growth and puberty is often a sign of sickle cell anemia.

 

Reference:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/dxc-20303269