Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Malvika Padin

What is sickle cell disease? Common symptoms and can it be treated?

Sickle cell disease refers to a group of health conditions affecting the red blood cells, which is particularly common among people with an African or Caribbean heritage.

The inherited condition has become one of the fastest growing genetic conditions in the UK, with many needing frequent blood transfusions just to stay alive.

With demand for blood donations to treat sickle cell rising by 67% over the past five years, the NHS is urging more Black blood donors to come forward.

Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of sickle cell disease, what causes it and whether it can be treated.

What is sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is particularly common among people with an African or Caribbean heritage (Getty Images)

Sickle cell disease is a condition which affects the blood, causing red blood cells to take on a sickle or crescent shape.

This shape means that cells get stuck in blood vessels and block it, resulting in painful episodes and serious or even fatal long-term complications, including organ damage and strokes.

The most serious type of sickle cell disease – which is a group of inherited health conditions – is sickle cell anaemia, where blood flow to organs is deprived and causes blood to become chronically low in oxygen.

What are common symptoms of sickle cell disease?

People who are born with sickle cell disease tend to experience symptoms from early childhood, though some children tend to have fewer symptoms than others.

According to the NHS, the main symptoms of sickle cell disease are:

  • painful episodes called sickle cell crises, which can be very severe and last up to a week
  • an increased risk of serious infections
  • anaemia (where red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen around the body), which can cause tiredness and shortness of breath.

Some people also experience symptoms like delayed growth, lung problems and even strokes.

What causes sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is caused by a gene that affects how red blood cells develop.

If both parents have this gene, then there's a one-in-four chance of a child being born with sickle cell disease.

Parents themselves will not have the disease and they are usually only carriers of it.

Can sickle cell disease be treated?

The only cure for sickle cell disease is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition with people requiring treatment throughout their lives.

Those with sickle cell need to look after their health using self-care methods to avoid triggering crisis episodes and manage pain.

Some treatments available are:

  • Daily antibiotics and having regular vaccinations to reduce your chances of getting an infection
  • Medicine called hydroxycarbamide (hydroxyurea) to reduce symptoms
  • Regular blood transfusions if symptoms persist or worsen, or there are signs of damage caused by sickle cell disease
  • Emergency blood transfusion in case severe anaemia develops
  • Drinking plenty of fluids and staying warm to prevent painful episodes
  • Taking painkillers, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
  • The only cure for sickle cell is undergoing a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, there are risks involved with this so they aren't done that often.

    Sign up to read this article
    Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
    Already a member? Sign in here
    Related Stories
    Top stories on inkl right now
    One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
    Already a member? Sign in here
    Our Picks
    Fourteen days free
    Download the app
    One app. One membership.
    100+ trusted global sources.