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What Are Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms?

Sickle cell anemia is a condition caused by an inherited gene mutation that affects the gene responsible for the manufacture of hemoglobin. This results in some sickle-shaped red blood cells that don't adequately transport oxygen through the body. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, though symptoms are predominantly treatable.

  1. Anemia

    • Sickle-shaped red blood cells frequently die, leaving people with the condition short on their red blood cell count (anemia). This results in too little oxygen circulation and chronic fatigue.

    Bouts of Pain

    • Ongoing episodes of pain of varying frequency, duration and severity are a primary symptom of sickle cell anemia. They are caused when the sticky, inflexible sickle cells clog a blood vessel and obstruct blood flow.

    Hand-Foot Syndrome

    • Hand-foot syndrome, a swelling in the hands and feet, is a common sickle cell anemia symptom and often the first to manifest. Like the episodes of pain, this is caused by obstructed blood flow out of these extremities.

    Jaundice

    • Sickle cell anemia can cause jaundice, or a condition marked by the skin and eyes turning yellow. This is the result of the liver being overworked by an excessive breakdown of red blood cells.

    Susceptibility to Infections

    • The sickle-shaped red blood cells can damage the spleen, an organ essential to staving off infections. This can necessitate an antibiotic regimen in children with sickle cell anemia.

    Delayed Growth or Puberty

    • Inadequate oxygen circulation through the body can hinder the absorption and use of nutrients essential to bodily growth processes.

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