A sickle cell crisis is one of the main symptoms sickle cell patients face. However, just because we all experience the same symptoms, or similar ones, it doesn’t mean the condition affects everyone equally. Show As I meet more sickle cell patients, I’m further convinced that the condition affects each of us differently. One way this plays out is that different things can induce a sickle cell crisis for each of us. My main triggers are cold weather, infection, exhaustion, and stress. Cold weatherI absolutely love the summer, when I get to be the most social without having to fear falling ill. Sadly, summer is officially over here in the U.K., and I, for one, am extremely upset about it. We are now into autumn and approaching winter, which are the worst months for me. Looking back over the years, most of my hospital admissions have happened during the colder autumn and winter months. Colder temperatures cause my joints to cease up and increase the likelihood of a crisis. I try to reduce the number of outdoor social outings during colder months, and when I do go out, I make every effort to ensure I am wrapped up warmly. InfectionIn college I once let a friend drink from my straw. Unbeknownst to me, she was coming down with a cold or the flu. The next day, I ended up in intensive care with a severe crisis. Many of my extreme hospital admissions are related to infections. It’s safe to say I don’t share drinks anymore! I also avoid people who have a cold or the flu. What may be a minor cold for a healthy person can have a disastrous effect on me. Sickle cell patients have compromised immune systems, so it can be difficult to fight infections the way a healthy person can. I should also add that it doesn’t have to be a severe infection to cause me problems. I once slammed my thumb in a car door, and either the cut or pain from the swelling triggered a crisis shortly afterward. On several occasions, pain from something unrelated has caused a crisis. I must be very careful and vigilant, particularly if I am experiencing pain or have been exposed to someone with a contagious infection. I’m sure you can understand why I have been so particular about how I spend my social time during this pandemic! Exhaustion“Exhaustion” may not be precise enough of a word for what I’m describing, because it might seem like it would require a strenuous task to completely wipe me out, which is far from the case. For me, exhaustion can occur simply by doing too much too soon. For example, last week I had several social get-togethers scheduled with friends. I didn’t mind because I have been working from home and hadn’t been out much lately. After the fourth meetup that week, I found myself in crisis and had to go to the hospital. I am constantly learning my body’s ever-changing limitations. I must remember not to assume that I can do all the seemingly normal things that healthy people can do. StressI have found that stress induces crises. A few years ago, I was working in a demanding and high-pressured environment, which resulted in more frequent crises. Stress isn’t only caused by work, it also can occur in one’s personal life. I try to avoid stress in all facets of life. Admittedly, not all stress can be avoided. But stress levels need to be balanced. To avoid a crisis, I am quick to exit any scenario that is causing me too much stress. I began this column with a caveat about how sickle cell can affect each patient differently, because it is important to note that a trigger for me isn’t necessarily a trigger for other sickle cell patients. As I mentioned, cold weather is a big trigger for me, but for others, hot weather is a trigger. Let’s remember that each patient is an individual and should be addressed as such. Do you know your main triggers? Share your thoughts in the comments below. *** Note: Sickle Cell Anemia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Anemia News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell anemia.
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder. It is marked by flawed hemoglobin. That’s the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to the tissues of the body. So, sickle cell disease interferes with the delivery of oxygen to the tissues. Red blood cells with normal hemoglobin are smooth, disk-shaped, and flexible, like doughnuts without holes. They can move through the blood vessels easily. Cells with sickle cell hemoglobin are stiff and sticky. When they lose their oxygen, they form into the shape of a sickle or crescent, like the letter C. These cells stick together and can’t easily move through the blood vessels. This can block small blood vessels and the movement of healthy, normal oxygen-carrying blood. The blockage can cause pain. Normal red blood cells can live up to 120 days. But, sickle cells only live for about 10 to 20 days. Also, sickle cells may be destroyed by the spleen because of their shape and stiffness. The spleen helps filter the blood of infections. Sickled cells get stuck in this filter and die. With less healthy red blood cells circulating in the body, you can become chronically anemic. The sickled cells also damage the spleen. This puts you are at greater at risk for infections. What causes sickle cell disease?Sickle cell is an inherited disease caused by a defect in a gene.
For parents who are each carriers of a sickle cell gene, there is a 1 in 4, or a 25 % chance of having a child with sickle cell disease. What are the risk factors for sickle cell disease?Having a family history of sickle cell disease increases your risk for the disease. In the United States, it mainly affects African Americans.What are the symptoms of sickle cell disease?The following is a list of symptoms and complications associated with sickle cell disease. However, each person may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms and complications may include:
The symptoms of sickle cell disease may look like other blood disorders or medical problems. Always consult your health care provider for a diagnosis. How is sickle cell disease diagnosed?Along with a complete medical history and physical exam, you may have blood and other tests. Many states routinely screen newborns for sickle cell so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of complications. Hemoglobin electrophoresis is a blood test that can determine if a person is a carrier of sickle cell, or has any of the diseases associated with the sickle cell gene. How is sickle cell disease treated?Your doctor will consider your age, overall health and other factors when determining the best treatment for you. Early diagnosis and prevention of complications is critical in sickle cell disease treatment. Treatment aims to prevent organ damage including strokes, prevent infection, and treat symptoms. Treatment may include:
What are the complications of sickle cell disease?Any and all major organs are affected by sickle cell disease. The liver, heart, kidneys, gallbladder, eyes, bones, and joints can suffer damage from the abnormal function of the sickle cells and their inability to flow through the small blood vessels correctly. Problems may include the following:
Living with sickle cell diseaseSickle cell disease is a life-long condition. Although the complications of sickle cell disease may not be able to be prevented entirely, living a healthy life-style can reduce some of the complications. It is important to eat a healthy diet with lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and protein, and drink lots of fluids. Do not take decongestants because they cause constriction of blood vessels and could trigger a crisis. Other factors that may trigger a crisis include high altitudes, cold weather, swimming in cold water, and heavy physical labor. Avoid infections by getting an annual flu shot, washing your hands frequently, avoiding those who are sick, and getting regular dental exams. Key points
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your health care provider:
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