Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make the iron-rich compound in red blood cells called hemoglobin. One-sided paralysis or weakness in the face, arms or legs.Seek emergency care for symptoms of stroke, which include: Because children with sickle cell anemia are prone to infections, which often start with a fever and can be life-threatening, seek prompt medical attention for a fever greater than 101.5 F (38.5 C). See your health care provider right away if you or your child has symptoms of sickle cell anemia. This can damage the retina - the portion of the eye that processes visual images - and lead to vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells. A shortage of healthy red blood cells can slow growth in infants and children and delay puberty in teenagers. Red blood cells provide the body with the oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. Infants and children with sickle cell anemia commonly receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia. Sickle cells can damage the spleen, increasing vulnerability to infections. The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands and feet. Some adolescents and adults with sickle cell anemia also have chronic pain, which can result from bone and joint damage, ulcers, and other causes. A severe pain crisis requires a hospital stay. Some people have only a few pain crises a year. The pain varies in intensity and can last for a few hours to a few days. Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints. Periodic episodes of extreme pain, called pain crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Without enough red blood cells, the body can't get enough oxygen and this causes fatigue.Įpisodes of pain. But sickle cells typically die in 10 to 20 days, leaving a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. They vary from person to person and may change over time. Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age.
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