It is also possible to do prenatal screening for sickle cell disease by testing fetal tissues that are collected by chorionic villus sampling or amniocentesis. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
If you or your baby experience hand-foot disease, see a doctor for treatment right away.
See a doctor or go to the hospital if you or your baby has these symptoms. Jaundice is a result of the red blood cells getting broken down after they sickle, and the breakdown product of hemoglobin (called bilirubin) is a pigment that builds up in tissues of the body causing them to get yellow.
Crises are different for everyone; some people experience them rarely, while others have many crises each year. Some require hospitalization because their crises are severe, while others are less severe. Some people experience crises with no specific triggers, but for many people, crises can be brought on by stress, dehydration, altitude change, or temperature change and often by viral infection such as common flu. Some people with SCD also suffer from chronic pain, which may need to be managed with pain medications. [7] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
Symptoms of anemia include fatigue, paleness, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Babies who are suffering from severe anemia may seem especially sluggish and uninterested in feeding.
See a doctor right away if you have sickle cell disease and have a fever of 101°F (38. 3°C) or higher. [11] X Research source Common infections can be life-threatening to people with sickle cell disease, so treat them seriously. [12] X Research source You can prevent infections by washing your hands regularly, avoiding potentially contaminated food, and getting vaccinated against common infections like the flu and pneumonia. [13] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
This is a life-threatening medical condition that requires immediate hospitalization. Treatment may include antibiotics, oxygen therapy, blood transfusions, and other medications.
Symptoms include paleness, extreme tiredness, and a rapid pulse. If you notice these symptoms, seek immediate medical treatment.
This condition is life-threatening, so treatment at a hospital is necessary. Treatment usually includes a blood transfusion. The spleen will be noticeably enlarged. If you or your child has sickle cell disease, you should regularly check the upper left part of the belly, just under the rib cage, for any signs of swelling. If you notice swelling, seek medical treatment right away. [17] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Common signs of a stroke include difficulty talking, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, headache, and loss of balance. Silent strokes are typically asymptomatic, although they may still cause injury to the brain. If you or your child has problems learning, making decisions, or staying organized, it may be due to silents strokes, so see a doctor for testing. [19] X Trustworthy Source National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute Research and education center within the National Institutes of Health Go to source
Symptoms of deep vein thrombosis include swelling and pain in the leg. Symptoms of pulmonary embolism include shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, coughing up blood, and dizziness. [21] X Trustworthy Source Johns Hopkins Medicine Official resource database of the world-leading Johns Hopkins Hospital Go to source
Have your eyes tested once a year to check for damage caused by sickle cell disease.
Most often, ulcers can be treated at home with antibiotic ointment. Elevating the legs may also help. You may not need medical treatment for every ulcer, but you should see a doctor if you develop them frequently or if they do not heal. Skin grafts may be necessary in severe cases.
Your doctor should monitor you for heart problems. Be sure to always report any symptoms you have, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain. People who have had multiple blood transfusions are at an increased risk of developing heart problems due to the possibility of an iron overload.
Symptoms of severe liver problems include jaundice, fatigue, itching, and abdominal pain. [26] X Research source Liver complications in patients with sickle cell disease often occur suddenly.
Common symptoms include frequent urination, incontinence, bed wetting, and blood in the urine.
Fatigue and shortness of breath are the most common symptoms of pulmonary hypertension. Another common symptom is swelling in the legs, which is caused by backup of the right side of the heart, secondary to the lung hypertension.
The most common symptoms of gallstones are nausea, vomiting, and pain in the upper right section of the belly. In serious cases, the gallbladder may need to be removed to manage symptoms.
In severe cases, patients may need joint replacement surgery in order to regain function.
Get medical attention if an episode of priapism lasts for longer than four hours. If left untreated, it may lead to impotence.
