When do children with sickle cell disorder suffer pain?
Infections, thirst and dehydration caused by not drinking enough even if thirst is not felt, over-exertion, over-excitement, cold weather and cold drinks and swimming have all been reported by sickle children to cause (trigger) pain. Bangs, bumps, bruises and strains (trauma, in technical language) have also been reported to do so. Stress triggers pain in adults, but does not seem to do so in children. Can you tell if pain is coming? Children and families can often tell when a severe sickle pain is coming on by thirst, or the eyes turning yellow (jaundice), or by the sufferer being more irritable or tired than usual. These features may not be present, but one or more may predict crisis. Living with the Pain There are no easily detectable signs of sickle pain, so children known to have sickle cell disorder who say they are in pain must be trusted; if they can rely on the adults around them to take them seriously, they are less likely to take advantage of their condition to seek attentio
