What are the complications of Sickle Cell Disease?
Anemia. Sickle cells are quite fragile and die easily, leaving you chronically short on red blood cells to carry oxygen to your tissues. This is known as anemia. Without enough red blood cells in circulation, your body can’t get the oxygen it needs to feel energized. That’s why anemia causes fatigue (feeling tired or weak). Infections. Infections are a major complication of sickle cell anemia. In fact, pneumonia is the leading cause of death in children who have sickle cell anemia. Other common infections linked to sickle cell anemia include meningitis, influenza, and hepatitis. Episodes of pain. Periodic episodes of pain, called crises, are a major symptom of sickle cell anemia. Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints. Pain can also occur in your bones. The pain may vary in intensity and can last for a few hours to a few weeks. Some people experience only a few episodes of pain while others experien
