What Is Sickle Cell Disease?

Sickle cell anemia is a hereditary blood disorder within the broader category of sickle cell disease. It affects the shape, function, and lifespan of red blood cells. Healthy red blood cells are round and flexible, but in sickle cell anemia, the cells become stiff and “sickle” shaped. These abnormal cells can block blood flow, causing pain, inflammation, fatigue, and risk of organ damage.

To truly understand and manage sickle cell anemia symptoms, individuals and families need education, support, and access to effective strategies for both sickle cell anemia treatment and sickle cell crisis treatment.

This page will walk you through what’s happening inside the body, why symptoms occur, and the treatment and wellness approaches that may help improve quality of life.

Sickle cell disease is a group of genetic blood disorders where the body produces abnormal hemoglobin known as hemoglobin S. When low-oxygen events occur, this hemoglobin causes red blood cells to distort into a sickled shape.

These misshapen cells:

  • Have difficulty moving through blood vessels

  • Break down faster, leading to anemia

  • Trigger pain events known as sickle cell crisis

Understanding this foundation allows patients to better navigate sickle cell anemia treatment and lifestyle management approaches.



Common Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms

Because sickled red blood cells cannot move or function normally, many systems in the body are affected.

Common sickle cell anemia symptoms include:

  • Chronic fatigue or low energy

  • Pain episodes (especially in joints, chest, back, or limbs)

  • Frequent infections

  • Delayed growth in children

  • Pale or yellow-tinted skin

  • Swelling in hands or feet

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Shortness of breath or exercise intolerance

These sickle cell disease symptoms may vary in severity, frequency, and triggers—especially during stress, dehydration, extreme temperatures, or illness.



Understanding Sickle Cell Crisis Treatment


A sickle cell crisis occurs when sickled cells block blood flow to tissues, causing sudden pain that can last hours to days.

Sickle cell crisis treatment focuses on:

  • Hydration (oral or IV)

  • Oxygen support

  • Pain management

  • Warm compresses or heat therapy

  • Stress reduction and rest

  • Avoiding cold exposure

Preventing frequent crises is a central goal of effective sickle cell anemia treatment.