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Signs & Symptoms of Sickle Cell Trait

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disease in which blood cells have abnormal shape, inhibiting their ability to properly hold oxygen. The abnormal shape causes the blood cells to clog tiny blood vessels, leaving patients with pain and severe tissue damage.

  1. Anemia

    • Anemia is the first symptom of the genetic trait. It usually appears in infants at approximately 4 months old. The blood cells are unable to carry oxygen, so the most common sign of the condition is chronic fatigue from low level of nutrients sent to the tissue.

    Pain

    • Acute episodes of pain occur from blood vessel blockage. The pain can occur in the chest, abdomen or joints.

    Swollen Hands and Feet

    • Because blood is blocked, the lack of blood flow to the extremities causes hands and feet to swell.

    Jaundice

    • Jaundice is the yellowing of the skin from liver damage. Rapid breakdown of blood cells causes overactivity in the liver. For people with dark skin, jaundice is noticeable in the eyes.

    Growth Problems

    • Because oxygen is not available to spur growth, people with sickle cell are abnormally small. Children have stunted growth and late puberty.

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