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Sickle cell disease is a health problem that makes a person's red blood cells become C-shaped or curved like a sickle instead of round. The curved cells can get stuck in and block small blood vessels. Blood can't flow normally, which can lead to pain and organ damage. People with sickle cell disease need lifelong medical care.
Sickle cell disease gets passed down in families. This means that people with sickle cell disease get it from the genes they inherited from their parents.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to be curved, or sickle shaped, instead of round. Find out what can happen and how medicine can help.
People with sickle cell disease have a different kind of hemoglobin in their red blood cells than other people. Hemoglobin (pronounced: HEE-muh-glow-bin) is the part of the red blood cells that carries oxygen. The hemoglobin in sickle cells causes the red blood cells to change from being round and flexible, to stiff and sticky.
Each person with sickle cell disease has a unique experience with health problems. The most common problems are:
Sickle cell blockages can also cause damage to organs, like the eyes, bones, or kidneys. If a blockage hurts the lungs or the brain, it can be serious. A person needs to get to the hospital right away. Fortunately, treatments are available that can help prevent problems from sickle cell disease.
Treatments have different goals. Some treatments:
If you have sickle cell disease, here are some tips:
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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