Sickle cell disease refers to a group of health conditions affecting the red blood cells, which is particularly common among people with an African or Caribbean heritage.
The inherited condition has become one of the fastest growing genetic conditions in the UK, with many needing frequent blood transfusions just to stay alive.
With demand for blood donations to treat sickle cell rising by 67% over the past five years, the NHS is urging more Black blood donors to come forward.
Here's what you need to know about the symptoms of sickle cell disease, what causes it and whether it can be treated.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a condition which affects the blood, causing red blood cells to take on a sickle or crescent shape.
This shape means that cells get stuck in blood vessels and block it, resulting in painful episodes and serious or even fatal long-term complications, including organ damage and strokes.
The most serious type of sickle cell disease – which is a group of inherited health conditions – is sickle cell anaemia, where blood flow to organs is deprived and causes blood to become chronically low in oxygen.
What are common symptoms of sickle cell disease?
People who are born with sickle cell disease tend to experience symptoms from early childhood, though some children tend to have fewer symptoms than others.
According to the NHS, the main symptoms of sickle cell disease are:
- painful episodes called sickle cell crises, which can be very severe and last up to a week
- an increased risk of serious infections
- anaemia (where red blood cells cannot carry enough oxygen around the body), which can cause tiredness and shortness of breath.
Some people also experience symptoms like delayed growth, lung problems and even strokes.
What causes sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is caused by a gene that affects how red blood cells develop.
If both parents have this gene, then there's a one-in-four chance of a child being born with sickle cell disease.
Parents themselves will not have the disease and they are usually only carriers of it.
Can sickle cell disease be treated?
Sickle cell disease is a lifelong condition with people requiring treatment throughout their lives.
Those with sickle cell need to look after their health using self-care methods to avoid triggering crisis episodes and manage pain.
Some treatments available are:
The only cure for sickle cell is undergoing a stem cell or bone marrow transplant. However, there are risks involved with this so they aren't done that often.
