People with sickle cell anemia often experience the following:

• Pain Crises: Severe pain episodes caused by blocked blood flow. This can occur in the chest, abdomen, joints, or bones.
• Fatigue: Tiredness due to anemia (low RBC count).
• Swelling: Especially in the hands and feet.
• Frequent Infections: The spleen (part of the immune system) can be damaged, making it harder to fight infections.
• Delayed Growth: Children may grow more slowly and hit puberty later.
• Vision Problems: Tiny blood vessels in the eyes may get blocked, leading to vision loss.

 Do's:

• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to keep blood thin and reduce blockages.
• Get Vaccinated: Especially against pneumonia, meningitis, and the flu, as infections can worsen symptoms.
• Take Prescribed Medications: Follow your doctor's advice on treatments like hydroxyurea and pain relief.
• Regular Checkups: Monitor your health to catch complications early.
• Eat a Balanced Diet: Include foods rich in folic acid, such as leafy greens.

 Don'ts:

• Avoid Dehydration: Don't skip fluids, especially in hot weather or after exercise.
• Avoid Overexertion: Extreme physical activity can trigger pain crises.
• Avoid Smoking and Alcohol: These can reduce oxygen in the blood and worsen symptoms.
• Avoid High Altitudes: Lower oxygen levels can trigger sickle cell crises.

NOTE:

Our medical content authors have diligently gathered and synthesized information on this topic to offer valuable insights to our readers. Drawing from a range of reputable medical journals and health resources, this content aims to enhance understanding of the subject. It's important to remember that while this information is informative, it should not replace personalized consultation or treatment from a qualified physician. For further details, please refer to our Editorial Policy.

For this topic, our authors used some of the following resources:

American Society of Hematology | Sickle Cell Disease

Johns Hopkins Medicine | Sickle Cell Disease

National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov) | What Is Sickle Cell Disease? - NHLBI

National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission

nhs.uk | Sickle cell disease