What it is
It is a lifelong condition. People with it can have episodes of severe pain (sickle cell crises), anaemia and a higher risk of infections and stroke.
Treatment includes daily antibiotics and vaccines to prevent infection, painkillers, medicines such as hydroxycarbamide, and sometimes blood transfusions. A stem cell transplant can cure it in some people.
Common signs
- Episodes of severe pain (crises)
- Tiredness and shortness of breath from anaemia
- Frequent infections
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Delayed growth in children
How it is usually diagnosed
- Newborn blood spot screening
- Blood tests
- Screening in pregnancy for carriers
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Blood test results
- Haematology letters
- Transfusion records
- Vaccination records
- Care plans for crises
Questions to ask your doctor
- What should I do during a pain crisis?
- Which vaccines and antibiotics do I need?
- Would hydroxycarbamide or a transplant be an option?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Chest pain, breathlessness, signs of a stroke, a high temperature, or pain not controlled at home: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.