What are some complications and health concerns that can occur during sickle cell disease?

  

There are various complications that can occur during sickle cell disease. A stroke can occur

if sickle cells block blood flow to an area of your brain. The signs of stroke include seizures,

weakness or numbness in a person's arms or legs, sudden speech difficulties, and loss of

consciousness. A stroke can be fatal and if any symptoms do occur, seek medical treatment

immediately.

 

Also, acute chest syndrome, or sickle cell crisis may occur. This is a

life-threatening complication that causes severe chest pain, fever, and

difficulty breathing. This syndrome is caused by a lung infection or by

sickle cells blocking the blood vessels in your lungs. Sometimes, acute

chest syndrome may require emergency medical treatment.

 

People who have sickle cell anemia can also develop high blood pressure

in their lungs. Symptoms of pulmonary hypertension include shortness of

breath and difficulty breathing. Pulmonary hypertension can be fatal.

Blindness might also occur as a long lasting complication. The sickle cells

can clog tiny blood vessels that supply a person’s eyes. Over time, the

retina can get damaged and lead to blindness. Skin ulcers may also

occur. Sickle cell anemia may cause open sores on a person’s legs.

 

To continue, organ damage can also occur. When sickle cells block the blood flow

through the blood vessels, they deprive an organ of blood and oxygen. If chronic

deprivation of oxygen-rich blood occurs, it can cause damage to nerves and organs

in a person's body. The organs that are usually affected are the kidneys, liver, and

the spleen. Organ damage can be fatal because a person’s body can shut down.

 

Lastly, gallstones can occur as a complication in sickle cell anemia. Bilirubin is the

main factor that determines if a person gets gallstones. Bilirubin is the breakdown

of red blood cells that produce a substance. A high level of bilirubin in your body

can lead to gallstones.