What causes SCD?
SCD is an inherited condition that occurs when the body makes abnormally shaped hemoglobin. Normal hemoglobin is shaped like a disk or doughnut so that it can move through the blood vessels easily. In people with SCD, hemoglobin is long and narrow, or “sickle-shaped”. Sickle cells are stiff and can get caught up with each other to form clumps within the blood vessels, so oxygen is not delivered effectively. Therefore, the body tissues and organs lack oxygen. When there is not enough oxygen in the body tissues, anemia, pain and organ damage can occur. Sickle cells also die more quickly than normal red blood cells. The bone marrow cannot make enough new cells to replenish the blood supply. Having too few red blood cells causes anemia. SCD is not contagious. You cannot get SCD from living with, touching, or spending time with a person with SCD.
