18/09/2024
What are the Symptoms of sickle cell anemia..
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear
around 6 months of age. They vary from
person to person and may change over
time. Symptoms can include:
Anemia. Sickle cells break apart easily and die.
Typical red blood cells usually live for about
120 days before they need to be replaced. But
sickle cells usually die in 10 to 20 days, leaving
a shortage of red blood cells. This is known as
anemia. Without enough red blood cells, the
body can't get enough oxygen. This causes
fatigue.
Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of extreme
pain, called pain crises, are a major symptom
of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops when
sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow
through tiny blood vessels to the chest,
abdomen and joints.
The pain varies in intensity and can last for a
few hours to a few days. Some people have
only a few pain crises a year. Others have a
dozen or more a year. A severe pain crisis
requires a hospital stay.
Some people with sickle cell anemia also have
chronic pain from bone and joint damage,
ulcers, and other causes.
Swelling of hands and feet. Sickle-shaped red
blood cells block blood circulation in the hands
and feet, which can cause them to swell.
Frequent infections. The spleen is important
for protecting against infections. Sickle cells
can damage the spleen, raising the risk of
developing infections. Babies and children with
sickle cell anemia commonly receive
vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent
potentially life-threatening infections, such as
pneumonia.
Delayed growth or puberty. Red blood cells
provide the body with the oxygen and nutrients
needed for growth. A shortage of healthy red
blood cells can slow growth in babies and
children and delay puberty in teenagers.
Vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that
supply blood to the eyes can become plugged
with sickle cells. This can damage the portion
of the eye that processes visual images, called
the retina, and lead to vision problems.
