How Does Sickle Cell Disease Damage the Body?

Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder in which the normally round red blood cells are shaped like an "S," or like a sickle with pointed ends. Sometimes the cells can get stuck in the blood vessels and cause damage to the body.

Oxygen Transportation

• Hemoglobin is the substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen from the lungs through body. When the hemoglobin is unable to travel freely, oxygen is reduced throughout the body.

Abnormally Shaped Hemoglobin

• When these hemoglobin-rich blood cells are normal, they are round and soft and can move freely through the small blood vessels. But with sickle cell disease, the misshapen hemoglobin cells get blocked from going through the blood vessels.

Lack of Oxygen to Internal Organs

• When red bloods cells are blocked, the oxygen in the blood may not reach internal organs and the tissue may get damaged. For example, if oxygen does not reach the brain, it may lead to stroke, according to the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America.

Anemia

• Sickle-shaped red blood cells have a shorter life span than normally shaped red blood cells. Anemia is common in people with sickle cell disease to the extent that they might need frequent blood transfusions.

Infant Blood Test

• Sickle cell disease can be diagnosed soon after birth with a blood test that is required in almost every state in the United States. Early diagnosis is important to protect the infant from infections and damage to organs, according to KidsHealth.org.

Complications

• Sickle cell disease can cause infections, anemia, damage to internal organs, acute chest pain, headaches, seizures, lung tissue damage, difficulty breathing, swelling of the hands and feet, weakness, fatigue, enlarged spleen and stroke.