Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a complex, inherited group of blood disorders that primarily affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. In a healthy individual, red blood cells are flexible and disc-shaped, allowing them to glide easily through narrow vessels. However, for those living with SCD, these cells can become rigid and crescent-shaped (resembling a farmer’s sickle).
These malformed cells are prone to becoming stuck in small blood vessels, effectively blocking blood flow and oxygen delivery. This can lead to sudden, intense pain known as vaso-occlusive crises, as well as long-term complications like anemia, fatigue and potential organ damage. Fortunately, the treatment landscape is evolving rapidly. Modern medical advancements – ranging from specialized medications like hydroxyurea to groundbreaking gene therapies – are significantly improving both quality of life and life expectancy. Proactive management, regular screenings and a strong support network are the cornerstones of navigating this lifelong journey effectively.
What is sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease is a genetic blood disorder. This means people are born with it, and it is passed down from their parents. People with this disease have red blood cells that are shaped like a sickle, or the letter “C.”
By comparison, the Sickle Cell Disease Association of America (SCDAA) reminds readers that normal red blood cells are round and soft. They move easily through blood vessels and carry oxygen to every part of the body. But sickle-shaped cells are hard and sticky. They can get stuck in small blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This causes pain and can damage organs in the body like the heart, lungs and brain.
What’s happening in your body?
Sickle cell disease can cause many health problems, including severe pain, called a sickle cell crisis. You might also struggle with fatigue, swelling in your hands and feet, frequent infections or vision problems. Some people might also experience organ damage over time.
The disease affects the whole body and most often causes exhaustion because the blood cannot carry enough oxygen. According to the Mayo Clinic, another common side effect is having a weakened immune system, which means people with SCD may get sick more often.
Causes of sickle cell disease
The National Heart, Lung and Blood Health Institute (NHLBI) shares that sickle cell anemia happens when a person inherits the gene for the disease from both parents. If only one parent passes the gene, the child has what’s called sickle cell trait. People with the trait usually don’t have symptoms, but they can pass it on to their children. People are more likely to have sickle cell anemia if both parents carry the sickle cell gene. Likewise, having a family history of the disease or being of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern or Indian ancestry can increase the likelihood of developing SCD.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that in the United States, 1 in 13 Black or African American babies is born with the trait, and 1 in 365 Black babies is born with sickle cell disease. The reason it is more common in Black people is due to genetics. Sickle-shaped red blood cells were an evolutionary design that helped to ward off contracting malaria. Malaria is more common in tropical regions like Africa.
However, Medical News Today notes that SCD is a recessive hereditary disease, meaning that both parents must carry the trait for a child to inherit the disease. While people with African ancestry tracing back to Sub-Saharan Africa are more likely to have it, SCD is also very common in other tropical regions where malaria was prevalent, such as South and Southeast Asia.
Right now, the only known cure for sickle cell disease is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. However, not everyone can get one. It requires a close match from a donor, which can be hard to find. Most people with SCD manage symptoms with medicine and by working closely with their doctors.
Health risks and complications
Sickle cell disease (SCD) presents a wide array of health risks. One of the most critical complications is acute chest syndrome, a life-threatening lung condition characterized by chest pain, fever and difficulty breathing. Furthermore, because the spleen is often damaged early in life by these “clogged” vessels, individuals with SCD have a significantly weakened immune system, making them highly susceptible to severe bacterial infections like pneumonia and meningitis.
The long-term impact of SCD extends to several major organ systems. The risk of stroke is a primary concern, particularly in children, necessitating regular transcranial Doppler ultrasounds to monitor blood flow to the brain. Additionally, chronic oxygen deprivation can lead to progressive kidney disease, pulmonary hypertension and the formation of painful gallstones due to the rapid breakdown of red blood cells (hemolysis). Blockages can also cause “silent” damage to the retinas, potentially leading to vision loss, or cause skin ulcers on the lower legs that are difficult to heal.
As the Cleveland Clinic highlights, these systemic risks underscore the vital need for a consistent, proactive treatment plan. Regular medical checkups allow for early detection of organ stress before it becomes irreversible. Modern management (including routine vaccinations, prophylactic antibiotics and specialized medications) is essential not just for managing day-to-day pain, but for preventing these life-threatening complications and ensuring a higher quality of life.
What to do about sickle cell disease
“Some diseases get inherited through genetic links, making populations descended from common ancestries at higher risk. An example of such a disease is sickle cell anemia. They affect the quality-of-life outcomes,” Dr. Diana Rangaves explains. “While there is no cure, individual factors concern behavior and choices related to dieting, exercising, substance abuse and hygiene. Lastly, biological factors like age, gender and genetics also affect population health by increasing or reducing vulnerability to health risks.”
While there isn’t a cure for everyone, there are ways to manage the disease. If you’re prescribed any medications, take them as recommended to reduce pain and complications. Johns Hopkins Medicine encourages people diagnosed with SCD to stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and avoiding extreme temperatures. Eat a healthy diet that prioritizes folic acid to help make new red blood cells. Go for regular checkups to ensure your SCD is well-managed.
Similarly, look for signs of infection, and if present, seek medical help immediately. Also, incorporate plenty of activity with gentle exercises being the recommended method. Vaccines and antibiotics can also help prevent serious infections. The American Society of Hematology (ASH) notes that treatment can vary based on the severity of your condition.
When to see a doctor
The management of SCD is a lifelong commitment that requires a proactive, rather than reactive, approach to medical care. Because the condition is characterized by unpredictable “crises,” knowing exactly when to seek emergency intervention can be the difference between a manageable episode and a life-threatening catastrophe. If left untreated or is poorly managed, the cumulative damage of restricted oxygen flow can lead to irreversible organ failure, particularly in the kidneys, liver and heart.
You should seek immediate professional help if you or a loved one experiences any of the following:
Neurological Changes: Sudden weakness, numbness (especially on one side of the body), or slurred speech, which are hallmark signs of a stroke.
Respiratory Distress: Severe chest pain or shortness of breath, which may indicate acute chest syndrome.
High Fever: A temperature over 38.5°C (101.3°F), as it could signal a rapid, severe infection that the body cannot fight on its own.
Extreme Pain: Vaso-occlusive crises that cannot be managed with home medications.
What can’t you do with sickle cell disease?
Sickle cell disease can limit what someone can do, especially during a crisis. People with SCD may need to take breaks often, drink lots of water and avoid getting too hot or too cold. Some children may miss school, and some adults may miss work because of their symptoms. Even though people with sickle cell disease can live full lives, they need to be careful and take care of their health. With the right treatment, many people grow up, go to school, work and have families.
Bottom line
SCD is a serious condition, especially for people of African ancestry who are more likely to have it because of their genetic background. While there may not be a cure for everyone, people with sickle cell disease can still live full, happy lives with the right care. Knowing the signs, getting regular medical help, and living a healthy lifestyle are the keys to managing this disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers a sickle cell crisis?
A sickle cell crisis is a sudden attack of pain. It can be caused by dehydration, cold weather, stress, illness or infection, high altitudes (such as mountains or airplanes), and excessive exercise. Crises can last for hours or even days and may require hospital care.
Can sickle cell disease be cured?
To date, the only known cure is a bone marrow or stem cell transplant. But not everyone can get one. Most people manage the disease with medication, lifestyle changes and regular doctor visits.
Citations
CDC Staff. Data and Statistics on Sickle Cell Disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/sickle-cell/data/index.html
Alana Biggers, MD, MPH. Sickle Cell Anemia in African Americans: Symptoms, Causes, and More. Medical News Today. February 2, 2021. Accessed February 11, 2026. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/african-american-anemia
Mayo Clinic Staff. Sickle Cell Anemia – Symptoms & Causes. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876
NIH-NHLBI Staff. What Is Sickle Cell Disease? NIH – NHLBI. December 2025. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sickle-cell-disease
Cleveland Clinic Staff. What Is Sickle Cell Disease? Cleveland Clinic. August, 2025. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12100-sickle-cell-disease
Sickle Cell Disease Association of America Staff. About Sickle Cell Disease. SCDAA. December 2023. https://sicklecelldisease.org/about-sickle-cell-disease/
Johns Hopkins Medicine Staff. Sickle Cell Disease. Johns Hopkins Medicine. October 2024. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/sickle-cell-disease
American Society of Hematology Staff. Sickle Cell Disease. American Society of Hematology. https://www.hematology.org/education/patients/anemia/sickle-cell-disease