Concerns and Complications

Hand-Foot Syndrome - Swelling in the hands and feet & is usually the first symptom of SCD. This swelling, often along with a fever, is caused by the sickle cells getting stuck in the blood vessels and blocking the flow of blood in and out of the hands and feet.

Sickle Cell Crisis - Pain is the most common complication of SCD, and the top reason that people with SCD go to the emergency room or hospital. When sickle cells travel through small blood vessels, they can get stuck and clog the blood flow. This causes pain that can start suddenly, be mild to severe, and can last for any length of time.

Anemia - Anemia is a very common complication of SCD. With SCD, the red blood cells die early. This means there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. When this happens, a person might have many Symptoms such as: Tiredness, Irritablity, a fast heart rate, difficulty breathing, etc.

Infection - People with SCD, especially infants and children, are more at risk for infections, especially those due to bacteria with capsules because of damage to the spleen. Pneumonia is a leading cause of death in infants and young children with SCD

Acute Chest Syndrome - This can be life-threatening and should be treated in a hospital. Symptoms and signs are similar to pneumonia. Signs and symptoms include chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, and fever.

References:

Sickle cell anemia. (n.d.). Complications. Retrieved April 30, 2014, from http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/basics/complications/con-20019348