Sickle cell disease
Overview
Sickle cell disease is the name for a group of inherited health conditions that affect the red blood cells. The most serious type is called sickle cell anaemia.
Symptoms
People born with sickle cell disease tend to have problems from early childhood, although some children have few symptoms and lead normal lives most of the time. The main symptoms of sickle cell disease are: painful episodes called sickle cell crises, which can be very severe and last for days or weeksan increased risk of serious infectionsanaemia (where red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen around the body), which can cause tiredness andshortness of breath Some people also experience other problems, such as delayed growth,strokesand lung problems. Find out more about the symptoms of sickle cell disease
Causes
Sickle cell disease is caused by a gene that affects how red blood cells develop. If both parents have the gene, there's a 1 in 4 chance of each child they have being born with sickle cell disease. The child's parents often will not have sickle cell disease themselves and they're only carriers of the sickle cell trait. Find out more about the causes of sickle cell disease
Treatment
People with sickle cell disease need treatment throughout their lives. This is usually delivered by different health professionals in a specialist sickle cell centre. It's also important for people with sickle cell disease to look after their own health using self care measures, such as by avoiding triggers and managing pain. A number of treatments for sickle cell disease are available. For example: drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm to prevent painful episodespainkillers, such asparacetamoloribuprofen(sometimes treatment with stronger painkillers in hospital may be necessary)dailyantibioticsand having regular vaccinations to reduce your chances of getting an infectiona medicine called hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) to reduce symptomsregular blood transfusions if symptoms continue or get worse, or there are signs of damage caused by sickle cell diseasean emergency blood transfusion if severe anaemia develops The only cure for sickle cell disease is astem cell or bone marrow transplant, but they're not done very often because of the risks involved. Read more abouthow sickle cell disease is treatedandliving with sickle cell disease.
Prevention
Screening in pregnancy/newborns. Cannot prevent inheritance.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: you have symptoms or family history.