Can you recognise a sickle cell crisis? Specialist Nurse, Aggie explains the symptoms and how to reduce the risk of crises this #SickleCellAwarenessMonth
This Sickle Cell Disorder (SCD) Awareness month, we are raising awareness about the condition, and clinical nurse specialist, Agnes 'Aggie' Williams, explains more about sickle cell disorder, symptoms of a crisis and reducing the risk of triggers.
What is Sickle Cell Disorder?
Sickle cell is a serious, inherited blood disorder that affects the shape and function of red blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, allowing them to move easily through blood vessels.
Aggie explains: “Patients in crisis may present with intense pain, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection. It’s vital that they receive prompt, specialist care. At UHDB, we’re working to improve awareness and ensure patients get the right treatment at the right time."
In SCD, red blood cells become crescent-shaped (like a sickle), which makes them stiff and sticky. These sickle-shaped cells can block blood flow, leading to pain, organ damage, and increased risk of infection.
Symptoms and Causes
- Episodes of severe pain (called sickle cell crises)
- Fatigue and anaemia
- Swelling in joints, hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Vision problems
- Delayed growth or puberty
Find out more about SCD symptoms here >.
How is it inherited?
SCD is passed down genetically. A person must inherit the sickle cell gene from both parents to have the disease. If only one parent passes on the gene, the child will have sickle cell trait — they won’t have the disease but can pass the gene to their children. SCD can affect anyone, but it’s most common in people of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, South Asian, and Mediterranean heritage.
Diagnosis and Screening
A blood test detect sickle cell disorder or the trait, this can be accessed through GPs or special sickle cell centres. Screening is offered to all high-risk pregnant women in England and all babies are offered screening as part of the newborn blood spot test to find out their carrier status.
How is SCD treated?
While there’s no universal cure, treatments can help manage symptoms and prevent complications:
- Pain relief and hydration during crises.
- Hydroxyurea to reduce frequency of pain episodes
- Blood transfusions
- Antibiotics and vaccinations to prevent infections
- In some cases, a stem cell transplant may offer a cure, but it comes with serious complications and has limited donors.
Find out more about treatments here >.
What to do if you suspect a crisis?
A sickle cell crisis can be fatal. Acting fast saves lives. If you or someone you know has any of these symptoms, call 999 as they could be signs of a sickle cell crisis or complication:
- Pain
- Severe headache
- Unexplained numbness
- Signs of infection including fever/cold sweats
- Difficulty walking or talking
- Confusion
- One-sided paralysis or weakness in the face, arms or legs
- Breathlessness, chest pain or low oxygen levels
- Sudden vision changes
Aggie explains what you can do to prevent a sickle cell crisis in this video
Giving blood to support sickle cell patients
Donors are needed from all backgrounds, but sickle cell patients often need blood transfusions with blood that is closely matched to their own. This makes it less likely they will have a severe life-threatening reaction. Find out more and become a blood donor via the NHS Give Blood app or at www.blood.co.uk .
More information and resources
- www.sicklecellsociety.org/
- www.nhs.uk/conditions/sickle-cell-disease/
- www.england.nhs.uk/blog/what-sickle-cell-and-thalassaemia-can-teach-us-about-community-choice-and-carriers/