Sickle cell symptoms differ between individuals. Many people have chronic, low-level pain, with or without occasional sickle cell crises, while others have multiple crises each year. The degree of anemia also varies.
Infants with sickle cell anemia generally don’t develop symptoms until after they’re 6 months old, when their level of fetal hemoglobin declines. Before then, fetal hemoglobin protects red blood cells from sickling.
Sickle crises are the most common complication of sickle cell anemia. The pain of a sickle cell crisis starts suddenly and may last anywhere from hours to weeks. Pain can occur anywhere in the body, but you might be most likely to feel it in the following areas:
Pain may be accompanied by tenderness, swelling, and redness over the area of the blocked blood flow.
In young children, blockages frequently occur in the hands and feet, causing acute, painful swelling known as dactylitis.
Painful crises are the most common reason for emergency room visits and hospital stays for people with sickle cell anemia.
Some people can treat sickle cell crises at home with rest, pain relievers, and hydration, while others require hospitalization and measures like intravenous (IV) fluids, oxygen therapy, and strong pain medication.
Sickle cell anemia causes hemolytic anemia, which occurs when the body destroys sickled red blood cells. A healthy red blood cell lives for around 120 days, while a sickled cell may die in 10 to 20 days. This can lead to a shortage of red blood cells and low oxygen supply to the organs.
Symptoms of hemolytic anemia can include:
- A racing or irregular heartbeat
- A yellow tint to the skin and whites of the eyes, known as jaundice
- Cold hands and feet
- Confusion
- Urine that’s darker than usual
- Difficulty concentrating
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Leg cramps
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath, particularly with exercise
- Weakness or decreased stamina
- Fatigue
These symptoms often resemble other health problems, so seeing a doctor for diagnosis is essential. People with hemolytic anemia due to sickle cell anemia may have blood in their urine.
Emergency symptoms of severe anemia include the following:
- Severe weakness
- Breathlessness
- Extremely rapid heart rate
A physician with special training in blood disorders, known as a hematologist, can identify the best way to manage the anemia associated with sickle cell anemia.
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