Sickle Cell Disease Basics

What is Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)?

SCD is a blood disease that causes problems with red blood cells. Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible, which allows them to move easily through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain a protein called hemoglobin that carries oxygen throughout your body. People with sickle cell disease have red blood cells that are not round and do not have regular levels of hemoglobin. Their hemoglobin can give their red blood cells a curved shape, like a banana or a sickle (a farming tool with a curved edge). These sickle cells are hard and sticky, which means they can block the flow of blood in your body and cause serious problems.

What Problems can SCD cause?

• Anemia — when you have fewer red blood cells to carry oxygen in your body, which can make you feel tired.

• Pain crisis — pain in your chest, stomach, or bones. This happens when sickle cells block your blood vessels.

• Acute chest syndrome — a lung problem that happens when sickle cells block the blood vessels in your lungs. This can be life-threatening, and you will need to go to the hospital.

• Organ damage — harm to important organs like your brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, and eyes. This can lead to serious problems like kidney failure or vision loss.

• SCD can even shorten your life — Hydroxyurea can help you live longer. That is why it is important to consider taking it.