Sickle Cell Education
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
Knowledge is Power
Understanding sickle cell disease is the first step toward better management, early diagnosis, and improved quality of life. Explore our comprehensive educational resources below.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Learn about the basics of sickle cell disease, how it affects the body, and why it's important to understand this genetic condition.
Learn MoreCauses & Genetics
Understand the genetic factors behind sickle cell disease and how it's inherited from parents to children.
Learn MoreSigns & Symptoms
Recognize the common signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease and when to seek medical attention.
Learn MoreTypes of Sickle Cell Disease
Explore the different types of sickle cell disease and how they vary in severity and presentation.
Learn MoreEarly Diagnosis & Screening
Learn about newborn screening, genetic testing, and the importance of early diagnosis for better outcomes.
Learn MoreMyths vs Facts
Dispelling common misconceptions about sickle cell disease with evidence-based facts.
Learn MoreWhat is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. People with SCD have abnormal hemoglobin, called hemoglobin S or sickle hemoglobin, in their red blood cells.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. In SCD, the abnormal hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become hard, sticky, and shaped like a crescent or sickle. These sickle-shaped cells die early, causing a constant shortage of red blood cells (anemia).
When traveling through small blood vessels, sickle cells can get stuck and block blood flow. This can cause severe pain and serious complications such as infection, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.
Key Points:
- SCD is a genetic disorder present from birth
- It affects red blood cells and their ability to carry oxygen
- Early diagnosis and proper management can significantly improve quality of life
- It's most common in people of African, Mediterranean, and Middle Eastern descent
Causes & Genetics
Sickle cell disease is inherited, which means it is passed from parent to child through genes. A person inherits two genes for hemoglobin—one from each parent.
Genetic Inheritance Patterns:
- Sickle Cell Disease (HbSS): Inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent
- Sickle Cell Trait (HbAS): Inherits one sickle cell gene and one normal gene
- Other Variants: HbSC, HbS Beta Thalassemia, and other combinations
Important to Know:
- Sickle cell trait carriers usually don't have symptoms
- Two carriers have a 25% chance with each pregnancy of having a child with SCD
- Genetic counseling can help families understand their risk
Signs & Symptoms
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell disease can vary from person to person and change over time. Common symptoms include:
Common Symptoms:
- Anemia (fatigue, weakness)
- Pain crises (episodes)
- Swelling of hands and feet
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth
- Vision problems
Serious Complications:
- Acute chest syndrome
- Stroke
- Organ damage
- Splenic sequestration
- Priapism
- Pulmonary hypertension
⚠️ When to Seek Emergency Care:
- Severe chest or abdominal pain
- Fever above 101.3°F (38.5°C)
- Difficulty breathing
- Severe headache or dizziness
- Sudden vision changes
- Seizures or loss of consciousness
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Types of Sickle Cell Disease
HbSS (Sickle Cell Anemia)
The most common and usually most severe form. People with HbSS have two sickle cell genes (HbS).
HbSC
People have one HbS gene and one hemoglobin C gene. Usually milder than HbSS but can still cause serious complications.
HbS Beta Thalassemia
Combination of sickle cell gene and beta thalassemia gene. Severity varies.
Early Diagnosis & Screening
Early diagnosis of sickle cell disease is crucial for starting preventive treatments and avoiding serious complications.
Newborn Screening
All newborns should be screened for SCD. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and education.
Genetic Testing
Carrier screening helps prospective parents understand their risk of having a child with SCD.
Myths vs Facts
❌ MYTH: Sickle cell disease only affects Africans
✅ FACT: While more common in people of African descent, SCD affects people from Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, Asian, and Hispanic backgrounds.
❌ MYTH: People with SCD can't live normal lives
✅ FACT: With proper care and management, people with SCD can pursue education, careers, and family life.
❌ MYTH: Sickle cell disease is contagious
✅ FACT: SCD is a genetic condition and cannot be transmitted from person to person.