What are signs and symptoms of a sickle cell crisis?
You may have one symptom such as pain, or you may have many symptoms at the same time. Your signs and symptoms may change each time you have a crisis. Signs and symptoms can be mild or severe (very bad), and can get worse over time. You may have any of the following signs and symptoms: • Pain in a body part, such as your back, stomach, chest, or bones: The pain can stay in one body area, or spread to other places in your body. The pain can last for minutes, hours, or up to a week. In women, pain can come more often and worse during their menstrual cycle. The pain can also be worse when a women is near menopause (when the menstrual cycle stops). Women who are pregnant may have pain more often than when they are not pregnant. The pain may also be more severe. • Trouble breathing: This can happen when you are resting and when you are active. • Headaches: You may often have a headache. Headaches that are new or different can be a sign of a sickle cell crisis. • Signs and symptoms of anemia
