Sickle Cell Disease
Overview
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder that affects how red blood cells carry oxygen through the body. Instead of remaining soft and flexible, some red blood cells become rigid and sickle-shaped, making it harder for blood to flow normally.
Children with sickle cell disease may experience anaemia, pain episodes, infections, fatigue, swelling, or complications affecting different parts of the body. Symptoms and severity vary between children, and some may require long-term monitoring and ongoing treatment.
The focus is on reducing complications, managing symptoms, supporting healthy growth and development, and helping children maintain the best possible quality of life over time.
Symptoms
Sickle cell disease may affect blood flow, oxygen delivery, energy levels, immunity, and overall wellbeing. Symptoms and concerns may include:
- Tiredness or weakness
- Pain episodes or body pain
- Swelling of hands or feet
- Frequent infections
- Pale skin or lips
- Delayed growth or development
- Shortness of breath
- Yellowing of the eyes or skin
Some children may experience mild symptoms, while others may develop more frequent complications requiring urgent medical care.
Causes & Risk Factors
Sickle cell disease is inherited genetically and develops when a child receives the sickle cell gene from both parents. Risk factors may include:
- Family history of sickle cell disease
- Inherited sickle cell traits from both parents
Children with sickle cell disease may require ongoing monitoring because the condition can affect circulation, immunity, and organ function over time.
When to Seek Care
You should seek medical assessment if your child:
- Experiences repeated pain episodes
- Appears unusually tired or weak
- Has frequent infections or fever
- Develops swelling or difficulty breathing
- Has poor growth or reduced activity tolerance
- Requires ongoing blood disorder monitoring
Emergency Symptoms
Some sickle cell complications may become serious and require urgent medical care. Seek immediate medical care if your child experiences:
- Severe pain episodes
- Difficulty breathing or chest pain
- High fever or signs of infection
- Severe weakness or collapse
- Reduced responsiveness
- Sudden swelling or neurological symptoms
Prevention
Sickle cell disease itself cannot be prevented once inherited, but early diagnosis and ongoing care may help reduce complications. Helpful measures may include:
- Routine medical follow-up
- Good hydration
- Prompt treatment of infections
- Taking prescribed medication correctly
- Monitoring symptoms and pain episodes
Diagnostics Used
Blood investigations may be used to confirm sickle cell disease, monitor blood health, and assess complications. Depending on your child’s needs, the care team may use:
- Offsite Abdominal Ultrasound
- Chest X-Ray (Bedside)
-
CBC
- Haemoglobin testing Blood cell analysis
- Haemoglobin Electrophoresis
- New Born Blood Grouping
-
Liver Function Test -LFTs
- Oxygen and vital sign monitoring where needed
Support Services
Children with sickle cell disease may benefit from additional nutritional, emotional, developmental, or pain-management support. Support services may include:
- Nutrition guidance
- Pharmacy support and medication guidance
- Counselling and family education
- Pain management support
- Referral coordination and long-term monitoring support
This multidisciplinary approach helps support symptom control, recovery, growth, and long-term wellbeing.