Symptoms of sickle cell anemia include recurring pain flare-ups, yellow skin and eyes, and swelling in the hands and/or feet. In most severe cases, patients may experience strokes due to the destruction of red blood cells and obstruction of blood vessels.
Sickle cell anemia is a type of anemia that is characterized by abnormal shapes of red blood cells, caused by a genetic mutation.
If you suspect you may have sickle cell anemia, you are advised to consult a hematologist. Treatment may involve specific medications, vaccines and blood transfusions to manage symptoms and prevent complications, such as infections and stroke.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of sickle cell anemia are:
1. Anemia
It is common for people with sickle cell anemia to have low red blood cells and hemoglobin levels. This drop is caused by a change in the shape of red blood cells cells that results in their destruction and/or removal from the bloodstream. Very low levels can cause symptoms such as fatigue, a racing heart, dizziness or shortness of breath.
Read more about other symptoms of anemia that can occur with low hemoglobin levels.
2. Pain flare-ups
People with sickle cell anemia tend to have periods of pain that can affect any part of the body, but mostly attack the chest, arms or legs. Particularly in children, pain can also be reported in the fingers or toes. These attacks are more frequent when the patient experiences dehydration, low oxygen levels, exposure to the cold or infections, which are conditions that can predispose red blood cells to obstruct blood vessels.
3. Yellow skin and eyes
Sickle cell anemia promotes the destruction of red blood cells in circulation, which can lead to an increase in bilirubin in the blood. High bilirubin levels can cause the skin and eyes to have a yellow tinge, which is also known as jaundice.
Also recommended: Bilirubin: Types, Normal Ranges & What Causes High Levels tuasaude.com/en/bilirubin4. Priapism
In some cases, men and young boys with sickle cell anemia may have priapism, which is a condition caused by the obstruction of blood vessels in the penis. This can result in an unwanted and painful erection.
Priapism can be recurrent and, in some cases, last for more than 3 hours, requiring medical attention. Especially when left untreated, it can result in impotence.
5. Swelling in the hands and/or feet
Swelling in the hands and/or feet is more common in young children with sickle cell anemia and usually presents with pain flare-ups. Swelling and pain that affects the fingers is often referred to as dactylitis.
6. Stroke
A stroke is one of the most serious manifestations of sickle cell anemia, and can occur when red blood cells obstruct vessels that carry blood to the brain. It can lead to symptoms such as an intense headache, drowsiness, seizures or loss of strength in parts of the body. Read more about the signs and symptoms of a stroke that you should not ignore.
How it's diagnosed
The diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is made by a hematologist, general practitioner or a pediatrician (in children) based on the symptoms and the results of blood tests, like a complete blood count and a hemoglobin electrophoresis.
In most cases, sickle cell anemia is detected in babies within the first few months of life, as testing for this condition is conducted as part of a routine newborn screen.
Learn more about the anemia blood tests that your doctor may order.
Treatment options
If sickle cell anemia is suspected, you are advised to consult a hematologist, general practitioner or pediatrician. It is possible to prevent complications (like an infection or stroke) and improve quality of life by adhering to the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor.
The doctor may prescribe medications such as hydroxyurea to prevent red blood cells from blocking blood vessels. This medication can also help to reduce the risk for pain flare-ups or a stroke. He or she may also prescribe vaccines to prevent infections and, in some cases, blood transfusions, to help manage more intense symptoms of anemia.
Also recommended: Foods for Anemia: What to Eat & Avoid (plus a 3-Day Meal Plan) tuasaude.com/en/foods-for-anemiaOther treatments that your doctor may consider, depending on your blood test results and symptoms, include a bone marrow transplant and gene therapy.
