Sickle Cell Anemia

Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped, and move easily through the blood vessels. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein hemoglobin, which carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.

Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin called sickle hemoglobin or hemoglobin S., which causes the cells to be formed into a crescent shape (like a sickle).

Sickle cells are stiff and sticky, and block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. Blocked blood flow can cause pain and organ damage, and can raise risk of infection.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited, lifelong disease.

Symptoms
Crises (immense, sudden pain in the lower back, joints and chest), pallor, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, jaundice, delay growth/puberty, fatigue (because sickle cells die quicker than normal cells, the body has a lack of cells which is called anemia. In the case of anemia, the body cannot get enough oxygen it needs to feel energized and awake)