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September is Sickle Cell Awareness Month

September 13, 2023

Sickle cell disease symptoms

Symptoms of sickle cell disease come and go. Usually there are bouts (episodes) of symptoms but, in between episodes, patients do feel well.

Some of the complications include:

  • Episodes of pain

These are also called a pain crisis or a vaso-occlusive crisis. They occur when sickle cells block small blood vessels in bones, which causes pain. Pain usually occurs in bones and joints. The pain can vary from mild to severe,  and may come on suddenly. Early treatment is vital.

  • Acute chest syndrome

This occurs when there are blocked blood vessels in the lungs and can sometimes occur with a lung infection.  Acute chest syndrome is very serious. It is the number one cause of death in sickle cell.  If suspected, please contact the haematology and critical care outreach team for urgent treatment.

  • Infections

People with sickle cell disease are more prone to severe infections, particularly from certain types of bacteria, which can cause pneumonia, meningitis, septicaemia or bone infections. Symptoms of infection include fever, feeling generally ill, and pain in the affected part of the body.

  • Priapism

Priapism is a painful erection that occurs without stimulation, sexual desire or arousal.

If the episode of priapism does not settle in one hour patients are advised to go to the nearest ED (emergency department) or the SCAT centre as soon as possible.

Be sure to also check out this short video featuring

Amanda Tembedza, Lead Sickle Cell and Thalassemia Nurse with the unit based at City Hospital explaining what sickle cell is and the symptoms of the disease.