Common Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia

The signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia are different in each person. Some people have mild symptoms. Others have very severe symptoms and are often hospitalized for treatment.

The most common symptoms or signs are related to:
Anemia
Pain when sickle-shaped red blood cells block the flow of blood to an organ
Other more specific symptoms.
The general symptoms or signs of anemia are:
Fatigue (feeling very tired)
Paleness
Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)
Shortness of breath.
Pain is the symptom of sickle cell anemia that most people are familiar with. It occurs in both children and adults. Pain results from blocked blood and oxygen. Painful events or crises may occur in any body organ or joint. Some patients have painful crises less than once a year. Others may have as many as 15 or even more crises in a year. The pain can be acute (sudden), chronic (long lasting), or a mixture of the two.

Acute pain is the most common type of pain. It is sudden pain that can range from a mild ache to very severe pain. The pain usually lasts from hours to a few days. With complications or poor treatment, the pain can last for weeks.
Chronic pain usually lasts 3 to 6 months or longer. Chronic pain can be hard to bear and mentally draining. This can severely limit daily activities.
Mixed pain is a combination both of acute and chronic pain.

Content Courtesy : www.nhlbi.nih.gov
^{Note : Information herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have a medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider before beginning any course of supplementation or treatment.}