How do sickle cells affect the body

Additionally, there are a few, uncommon health problems that may potentially be related to sickle cell trait. SCD is a genetic condition that is present at birth.

It is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. SCD is diagnosed with a simple blood test. It most often is found at birth during routine newborn screening tests at the hospital. In addition, SCD can be diagnosed before birth.

Because children with SCD are at an increased risk of infection and other health problems, early diagnosis and treatment are important. View and print » pdf icon. People with SCD start to have signs of the disease during the first year of life, usually around 5 months of age. Symptoms and complications of SCD are different for each person and can range from mild to severe.

There is no single best treatment for all people with SCD. Treatment options are different for each person depending on the symptoms. Learn about complications and treatments ».

Bone marrow is a soft, fatty tissue inside the center of the bones where blood cells are made. Children with SCD make an abnormal type of hemoglobin. This is the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to all parts of the body. Healthy red blood cells with normal hemoglobin are round and move easily through blood vessels. When a child has SCD, the red blood cells are hard and sticky. They are shaped like the letter C and like a farm tool called a sickle.

These damaged red blood cells sickle cells clump together. They get stuck in small blood vessels and block blood flow. This blockage can cause pain. It can also damage major organs. Sickle cells die sooner than healthy cells.

Normally the spleen helps filter infections out of the blood. But sickle cells get stuck in this filter and die. Having fewer healthy red blood cells causes anemia. The sickle cells can also damage the spleen. Without a healthy spleen, children are more at risk for serious infections. There are several complex types of the sickle cell gene. Sickle cell is present at birth. It is inherited when a child has 2 sickle cell genes, 1 from each parent. A child who has only one sickle cell gene is healthy.

But he or she is a carrier of the disease. If two carriers have a child, there is a greater chance their child will have sickle cell disease. Once parents have had a child with sickle cell disease, there is a 1 in 4 chance that another child will be born with sickle cell disease. There is also a 1 in 2 chance that a child will be a carrier, like the parents.

SCD mainly affects people whose families came from Africa, and Hispanics whose families are from the Caribbean. But the gene has also been found in people whose families are from the Middle East, India, Latin America, and Mediterranean countries. It has also been found in American Indians. Most children with SCD will start to have symptoms during the first year of life, often around 5 months. They may be mild or severe. Symptoms can include:.

This is the most common symptom. Having fewer red blood cells causes anemia. Anemia can make a child pale and tired. Yellowing of the skin, eyes, and mouth jaundice. This is a common symptom. Sickle cells don't live as long as normal red blood cells.

They die faster than the liver can filter them out. The yellow color is caused by a substance bilirubin that is released when the red blood cells die. Pain crisis, or sickle crisis. Infection: People with sickle cell disease are a risk for some bacterial infections. Call your doctor and get medical care right away if a fever happens. Priapism: Guys with sickle cell disease can have painful, long-lasting erections.

If it's not treated quickly, damage can cause problems with getting erections later on. Stroke: Sickle-shaped cells can block small blood vessels in the brain, causing a stroke. Signs can include headache, seizure , weakness of the arms and legs, speech problems, a facial droop, or loss of consciousness. What Causes Sickle Cell Disease? Their plan might involve: Immunizations and daily doses of penicillin to help prevent infection. Besides having all recommended childhood vaccinations, teens with sickle cell disease should get the pneumococcal, flu , and meningococcal vaccines.

Taking folic acid supplements to help them make new red blood cells. Taking hydroxyurea, a medicine that makes sickled red blood cells less sticky. This helps people have fewer painful episodes and other complications.

Hydroxyurea needs to be taken every day. Taking L-glutamine, another medicine that is newly approved for sickle cell disease. Taking medicines to help when pain does happen. Getting blood transfusions. When Should I Call the Doctor? To manage sickle cell disease: Go to all doctor's visits and share any concerns or new symptoms. Avoid your pain crisis triggers, such as extreme temperatures or stress.