Sickle cell anemia is one of the sickle diseases which are hereditary in nature. Sickle cell anemia is caused by insufficient red blood cells to carry oxygen. Red blood cells are usually round in shape, but in patients suffering from sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells are shaped like crescents or sickle cells. These abnormally shaped red blood cells hinder the effective distribution of oxygen.

Symptoms of sickle cell anemia include:

1. Periodic episodes of pain or pain crises

One of the most common symptoms of sickle cell anemia is the periodic episodes of pain, which are also known as pain crises. The pain is caused by the sickle cell-shaped red blood cells hindering blood flow through narrow blood vessels to the lungs and heart, abdomen, and joints. The pain is usually in the bones and can vary in intensity. In some patients, the pain can last for a few hours, but it can go on for weeks in others. In some anemic patients, the pain can only occur once a year, while in others, there can be tens of episodes throughout the year. If the pain is severe, hospitalization and close monitoring of the patient is necessary. In some instances, patients can suffer from joint and bone damage, ulcers, and other side effects resulting from intense pain. To mitigate this symptom, patients are advised to drink plenty of fluids, avoid extreme weather conditions and avoid activities that expose them to higher altitudes, such as mountain climbing and bungee jumping.

2. Swelling of hands and feet

This is normally the first symptom of sickle cell anemia. The swelling of limbs is often accompanied by fever and is a result of clumps in blood vessels because of the abnormally shaped blood vessels. This is a result of the sickle cells blocking blood flow to and from the limbs. To mitigate these symptoms, it is advisable that the patient takes pain killers and increases their intake of fluids such as water.

3. Frequent infections

As a result of insufficient oxygen in the blood, sickle cell anemia can damage the patient’s tissues and organs, such as the spleen, hence exposing them to infections frequently. If the spleen is affected, it can swell, leading to complications that may necessitate its removal. Once the spleen is removed, the patient is at a higher risk of bacterial infection. To prevent infections frequently, doctors normally give babies suffering from sickle cell vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia.

4. Delayed growth or puberty

Red blood cells supply your body cells with the oxygen needed for growth. A shortage of red blood cells means slow growth in children and infants, which leads to delayed milestones and puberty in teenagers. The delayed growth can, however, be recovered in adulthood. In general, teenagers with sickle cell disease may be shorter than their peers.

5. Vision problems

An insufficient supply of oxygen to your eyes can lead to sickle cells. Sickle cell anemia can damage the retina, which is the part responsible for the production of images. This leads to visual problems.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease. Infants are only at risk if both parents carry sickle cell traits. Sickle cell anemia can be managed by drinking plenty of fluids for hydration, taking pain medication when necessary and using an oxygen mask for extra supply of oxygen.