In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells have abnormal hemoglobin and they are shaped like a sickle, which affects the transport of oxygen throughout the body. As a result, where these cells are present, tissue damage occurs as there is insufficient oxygen. This can lead to serious disabilities. One of the problems with the sickle cell anemia signs and symptoms is that patients often go through stages of remission and flareups, with each flareup usually being a little worse.

The Sickle Cell Anemia Signs and Symptoms:

The major features of this disease include:

  • Anemia and fatigue
  • Pain flareups
  • Dactylitis
  • Bacterial infections
  • Heart and lung injury
  • Splenic sequestration
  • Bone infarcts and aseptic necrosis
  • Leg ulcers
  • Eye damage

Some of these features can be found in any age, others usually in a specific age group. People can be born with sickle cell anemia, and infants usually have abdominal pain, fever, dactylitis, bacterial infections, and splenic sequestration. In older children and young adults, aseptic necrosis, leg ulcers, and eye damage are common. In adults, pain episodes are more common due to damage to internal organs, muscles, and bones.

The sickle cell anemia signs and symptoms are usually not present in the first few months of life. However, by five months old, symptoms will usually start. At this point, the red blood cells will start to sickle.

Treating the Sickle Cell Anemia Signs and Symptoms:

Treatment usually directs itself at the symptoms that presents. It aims to prevent manifestations, while also trying to stop the stacking of red blood cells. Anemia cannot be reversed by one single treatment, which is why the illness must be properly understood by both the patientd and their family so they need to communicate closely with their physicians when needed.

Fatigue is usually caused by anemia, and an aplastic flareup is usually promoted by the presence of minor infections. Usually, anemia stabilizes itself, although this does depend on the level of hemoglobin. Sometimes, a blood transfusion is required, for instance if patients have other complications such as late pregnancy, severe leg ulceration, stroke, lung infarction, or pneumonia. Usually, folic acid is prescribed, and a red blood cell exchange may be prescribed, particularly if the patient does not respond to any other treatment.

Pain flareups happen when the body tissues do not receive enough blood. The pain is excruciating, often requiring hospitalization, where opiate medication is offered. The pain is throbbing and usually moves between parts of the body. It often affects the abdomen, sometimes presenting as appendicitis, as well as the bone. Most patients also have a fever. Flareups can often be prevented to a degree by avoiding stress, extremes of cold and heat, and individuals with infections. Analgesia is provided, and people are hydrated, often through an intravenous line. Magnesium and clotrimazole are usually prescribed, and electrical nerve stimulation, self-hypnosis, and/or biofeedback can also be beneficial.

If the patients have severe pain, they may be prescribed hydroxyurea, particularly if they require frequent transfusions or if they have had a stroke. Unfortunately, responses are unpredictable. Additionally, it may suppress bone marrow.

Most people with sickle cell anemia experience inflammation and swelling in their hands and feet. This is known as dactylitis and usually happens when a patient is between six months and eight years old. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications are usually reasonably successful as treatment.

Many people with sickle cell anemia develop bacterial infections, with pneumonia being the most common one leading to hospitalization. Antibiotics are provided, but pneumonia is notoriously slow in responding to that. Usually, patients are vaccinated against pneumococcal infection. Children may also develop meningitis and osteomyelitis. All of these infections commonly lead to complications, which is why rapid treatment is required.

Splenic sequestration happens when there is a sudden pooling of blood inside the spleen. This causes severe anemia and can be fatal. Blood and fluid transfusions are critical at this time.

Hepatomegaly often happens regularly, leading to jaundice, gallstones, and cholecystitis. Sometimes, this means that the gallbladder has to be removed.

Heart and lung injuries are also common. Known as acute chest syndrome, it can lead to the lungs being scarred before a patient reaches adolescence. Heart murmurs and enlarged hearts are also common. Treatment depends on what type of damage is present, and how much it impairs normal functioning. This includes antibiotics, transfusions, and other types of medications.

Leg ulcers are common as well, and they often become resistant to treatments, Topical creams and oral antibiotics are the most useful. Sometimes, skin grafting is needed, although this tends to take a long time to heal.