Sickle cell anemia (sickle cell disease), a blood disease which shortens life expectancy, is caused by an inherited abnormal hemoglobin.
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia may include bacterial infections, painful swelling of the hands and feet, fever, leg ulcers, fatigue, anemia, eye damage, and lung and heart injury.
Treatment for sickle cell anemia aims to manage and prevent the worst manifestations of the disease and focuses on therapies that block red blood cells from stacking together, which can lead to tissue and organ damage and pain. Read more: Sickle Cell Disease (Anemia) Article
Multimedia: Slideshows, Images & Quizzes
-
Anemia: Common Causes, Symptoms, Types, and Treatment
Anemia is a disease marked by low numbers of red blood cells. Low iron deficiency or underlying disease, like cancer, may be to...
-
Blood and Bleeding Disorders Quiz
Exactly what is sickle cell anemia? Learn about sickle cell and other diseases by testing your IQ with the Blood and Bleeding...
QUESTION
Sickle cell disease is named after a farming tool. See AnswerRelated Disease Conditions
-
Liver Disease
Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases, for example, gallstones, high cholesterol or triglycerides, blood flow obstruction to the liver, and toxins (medications and chemicals). Symptoms of liver disease depends upon the cause and may include nausea, vomiting, upper right abdominal pain, and jaundice. Treatment depends upon the cause of the liver disease.
-
Genetic Diseases
The definition of a genetic disease is a disorder or condition caused by abnormalities in a person's genome. Some types of genetic inheritance include single inheritance, including cystic fibrosis, sickle cell anemia, Marfan syndrome, and hemochromatosis. Other types of genetic diseases include multifactorial inheritance. Still other types of genetic diseases include chromosome abnormalities (for example, Turner syndrome, and Klinefelter syndrome), and mitochondrial inheritance (for example, epilepsy and dementia).
-
Anemia
Anemia is the condition of having less than the normal number of red blood cells or less than the normal quantity of hemoglobin in the blood. The oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is, therefore, decreased. There are several types of anemia such as iron deficiency anemia (the most common type), sickle cell anemia, vitamin B12 anemia, pernicious anemia, and aplastic anemia. Symptoms of anemia may include fatigue, malaise, hair loss, palpitations, menstruation, and medications. Treatment for anemia includes treating the underlying cause for the condition. Iron supplements, vitamin B12 injections, and certain medications may also be necessary.
-
Brain Hemorrhage
A brain hemorrhage is a type of stroke caused when an artery bursts in the brain, causing localized bleeding in the surrounding tissue. Causes of brain hemorrhage include aneurysm, liver disease, brain tumor, head trauma, high blood pressure, and blood vessel abnormalities. Symptoms and signs include sudden severe headache, nausea, vomiting, loss of balance, tingling, numbness, vision changes, loss of consciousness, and loss of fine motor skills. Treatment depends upon the cause, location, and size of the brain hemorrhage.
-
Enlarged Spleen (Splenomegaly) Symptoms, Signs, Causes,Treatment
An enlarged spleen or splenomegaly is generally caused by other diseases or conditions such as infections, cancers, blood disorders, or decreased blood flow. Symptoms of an enlarged spleen are often unnoticed. A feeling of fullness after eating a small amount of food and not being able to eat large meals may be a symptom of an enlarged spleen. Treatment for an enlarged spleen depends upon the cause.
-
Dehydration in Adults & Children
Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged vigorous exercise, and some diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. Symptoms of dehydration include headache, lightheadedness, constipation, and bad breath. Treatment for dehydration is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
-
Gallstones
Gallstones are stones that form when substances in the bile harden. Gallstones (formed in the gallbladder) can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball. There can be just one large stone, hundreds of tiny stones, or any combination. The majority of gallstones do not cause signs or symptoms; however, when they do occur the primary sign is biliary colic. Symptoms of biliary colic are constant pain for 15 minutes to 4-5 hours, and it may vary in intensity; nausea, severe pain that does not worsen with movement; and pain beneath the sternum. Treatment of gallstones depends upon the patient and the clinical situation.
-
Pregnancy Planning (Tips)
Pregnancy planning is an important step in preparation for starting or expanding a family. Planning for a pregnancy includes taking prenatal vitamins, eating healthy for you and your baby, disease prevention (for both parents and baby) to prevent birth defects and infections, avoiding certain medications that may be harmful to your baby, how much weight gain is healthy exercise safety and pregnancy, travel during pregnancy.
-
Septic Arthritis
Septic arthritis, or infectious arthritis, is infection of one or more joints by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Symptoms and signs of septic arthritis include fever, joint pain, chills, swelling, redness, warmth, and stiffness. Treatment involves antibiotics and the drainage of the infected joint.
-
Malaria
Malaria is a disease that is spread by the bite of an infected Anopheles mosquito. Malaria symptoms include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and body aches. Treatment involves supportive care and antibiotics.
-
Children's Health
Children's health is focused on the well-being of children from conception through adolescence. There are many aspects of children's health, including growth and development, illnesses, injuries, behavior, mental illness, family health, and community health.
-
Osteomyelitis
Osteomyelitis is an infection of the bone. Potential causes include injections around the bone, fractures that puncture the skin, recent surgeries, and bacterial infections that travel from other areas of the body, spreading through the blood to the bone. Symptoms include pain, fever, chills, stiffness, and nausea. Treatment involves antibiotics and pain medications. Surgery is sometimes necessary.
-
Moyamoya Disease
Moyamoya disease is an inherited (genetic) progressive cerebrovascular disorder caused by arteries that are blocked at the base of the brain. Moyamoya means "puff of smoke" in Japanese. Signs and symptoms of Moyamoya disease in adults include fainting, and vision problems, and in children included may include headaches and speech problems. There are 6 stages of Moyamoya disease. Surgery is the preferred treatment for the disease, and there is no cure for Moyamoya disease, and it can be fatal.
-
Diabetes Insipidus
Diabetes insipidus is a condition in which the patient has frequent urination. Symptoms of diabetes insipidus include irritable, listless, fever, vomiting, or diarrhea due to the loss of large volumes of urine. There are three types of diabetes insipidus, central, nephrogenic, dipsogenic, and gestational. Treatment depends upon the type of diabetes insipidus.
-
Anemia: How Is It Treated and Can It Be Cured?
How is anemia treated and can anemia be cured? Learn how to identify and manage anemia.
-
Aseptic Necrosis
Aseptic necrosis (avascular necrosis or osteonecrosis) develops when blood supply diminishes to an area of bone and causes bone death. Though aseptic necrosis may be painless, pain is often associated when using the degenerating bone. If caught early, aseptic necrosis may be treated by grafting new bone into the degenerating area. In later stages, joint replacement surgery may be required.
-
Priapism (Penis Disorder)
Priapism is a penis disorder characterized by a prolonged, unwanted erection of the penis. Medical conditions, trauma, or medications can cause priapism. There are three categories of priapism: ischemic priapisim, non-ischemic priapism, and stuttering priapism. Treatment includes medical intervention, medication, and at times, surgery.
-
Genetic Counseling
Your health care provider may refer you to a genetic professional. Universities and medical centers also often have affiliated genetic professionals, or can provide referrals to a genetic professional or genetics clinic. Genetic counseling provides patients and family members the tools to make the right choice in regard to test for a disease or condition.
-
How Do You Fix Anemia?
Anemia describes a condition in which you have a low red blood cell count and low hemoglobin levels. This is a serious condition as red blood cells and hemoglobin carry oxygen to all your cells, allowing them to burn energy. If you’re anemic, you’ll likely feel fatigued and short of breath, lacking physical stamina. You may have heart problems and appear pale. Anemia is often a symptom of some other disease or condition, so treatment varies widely depending on the root cause.
-
Alpha Thalassemia
Alpha thalassemia is a disorder in which the alpha globin protein is underproduced. There are two pairs of genes that carry the code for the alpha chains of hemoglobin. When one gene is impaired, that person is in a carrier state and suffers no medical problems. When four genes are impaired, the production of fetal and adult hemoglobin is prevented, resulting in hydrops fetalis and leading to death before birth.
-
Treating the Flu in People with Health Risks
Certain portions of the population are at an increased risk of suffering serious complications from the flu. Some of these indviduals at risk include: those with asthma, COPD, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, HIV, AIDs, elderly, women who are pregnant, and children under the age of two. Contact your physician if you have the flu immediately so that you receive the proper care to prevent serious complications.
Treatment & Diagnosis
- Hemoglobin: Normal, High, Low Levels, Age & Gender
- Hematocrit Ranges (Normal, High, Low)
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Blood Transfusion
- Hemoglobin vs. Hematocrit
- Pneumococcal Vaccination (Pneumonia Vaccine)
- Amniocentesis Test
- What Conditions Do You Need a Bone Marrow Transplant for?
- Penis Pump
- What Is the Difference Between a Phlebotomy and Phlebotomist?
- Chorionic Villus Sampling
- Hemolysis
- Joint Pain
- Penile Pain
- Pale Skin
- Joint Stiffness
- Anemia
- Jaundice
- Proteinuria (Protein in the Urine)
- Knee Pain
- Painful Erection (Priapism)
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- How to Choose a Doctor
- Doctor: Checklist to Take To Your Doctor's Appointment
- Doctor: Getting the Most from Your Doctor's Appointment
Medications & Supplements
- ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, Nuprin)
- What Is Artificial Blood and Why Is it Used?
- hydroxyurea (Hydrea, Droxia)
- ferrous sulfate
- nitric oxide gas
- hydroxyurea
- piracetam
- iron dextran (Dexferrum, INFeD)
- Side Effects of Dexferrum (iron dextran)
- Aspirin Therapy (Guidelines for Heart Attack and Stroke Prevention)
- Side Effects of Epogen (epoetin alfa)
- Endari (L-glutamine oral powder)
Prevention & Wellness
- The High Cost of Living With Sickle Cell Disease
- Prescription Steroids Can Pose Dangers for Sickle Cell Patients
- Could Gene Therapy Help Cure Sickle Cell Disease?
- Drug Might Stop Heart Trouble Linked to Sickle Cell Anemia
- Certain Sickle Cell Disease Traits Can Raise Odds for Severe COVID
- Sickle Cell Plagues Many Black Americans, But There's Hope for Better Treatments
- Gene Editing Technique Corrects Sickle Cell Disease in Mice
- Patients With Sickle Cell Disease Often Overlooked for Life-Saving Kidney Transplants
- Sickle Cell Puts Black Patients at Higher Risk for Severe COVID
- Could Gene Therapy Cure Sickle Cell Disease? Two New Studies Raise Hopes
- Time to Rethink Ideas About Exercise, Sickle Cell Disease?
- New Sickle Cell Disease Drug Approved by FDA
- New Moms Can Save a Life By Donating Cord Blood
- Trial Tests CRISPR Gene-Editing to Treat Sickle Cell Disease
- Experimental Drug Shows Early Promise Against Sickle Cell Disease
- Scientists May Have Made Significant Advance in Adult Gene Editing
- Gene Therapy Shows Promise Against Sickle Cell Disease
- Calling All Blood Donors
- New Law Boosts Fight Against Sickle Cell Disease
- Gene Therapy for Sickle Cell Takes Another Step Forward
- New DNA-Based Test Approved to Help Verify Blood Compatibility
- Large Rise Seen in Serious Birth Complications in U.S.
- Supplement May Ease the Pain of Sickle Cell Disease
- Kids Who Need Sickle Cell Meds Don't Always Get Them
- FDA Approves New Drug for Sickle Cell Disease
- Gene Therapy: A Breakthrough for Sickle Cell Anemia?
- Sickle Cell Trait in Blacks Can Skew Diabetes Test Results
- Can Parents' Weight Hinder Toddlers' Development?
- New Drug Might Reduce Sickle Cell Pain Crises
- Sickle Cell Trait Not Linked to Early Death in Study
- Drug Protects Lung Function in Kids With Sickle Cell: Study
- Blood Donors Needed After East Coast Storm: Red Cross
- Sickle Cell Drug Doesn't Relieve Pain Crises: Study
- Few Sickle Cell Patients Receiving Beneficial Drug, Study Finds
- Sickle Cell Anemia Treatment So Successful in Kids That Trial Is Halted
- Scientists Studying Sickle Cell Trait
- New Guidelines for Sickle Cell Disease
- Blood Transfusions May Cut Risk of 'Silent' Stroke in Kids With Sickle Cell
- Less Toxic Transplant Treatment Offers Hope for Sickle Cell Patients
- FDA OKs Test to Improve Blood Donor-Recipient Matching
- Child's Chronic Illness Can Affect the Whole Family
- Sickle Cell Drug Reduces Symptoms, Health Costs Alike, Study Finds
- Sickle Cell Anemia on Rise in Newborns Worldwide
- Blood Transfusions May Mean Fewer Strokes in Kids With Sickle Cell Disease
- Debate Heats Up Over Screening Athletes for Sickle Cell Trait
- Sickle Cell Disease, Sickle Cell Trait Are Not the Same
- Gaps in Care Found for Sickle Cell Disease Patients
- 'Half-Match' Marrow Transplants Help Some With Sickle Cell
- Being Bullied Tied to Anxiety, Depression in Special-Needs Kids
- Altered Stem Cells Limit Transplant Rejection
- Sickle Cell Blood Test Might Predict Severity of Disease
- Efforts to Reduce Stroke in Kids With Sickle Cell Working: Study
- Screening Alone Not Enough to Prevent Sudden Death in College Athletes
- Adult Sickle Cell Drug May Benefit Kids, Too
- FDA Prepares for Nanomedicine Revolution
From 
Healthy Resources
Featured Centers
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
Subscribe to MedicineNet's General Health Newsletter
By clicking Submit, I agree to the MedicineNet's Terms & Conditions & Privacy Policy and understand that I may opt out of MedicineNet's subscriptions at any time.