It usually causes severe pain, and it happens due to an acute blood cell reaction.
Painful episodes are treated with pain medication.
Medication is also available to help prevent sickle cell crisis.
Illustration by Nez Riaz for Verywell Health
Symptoms and Complications
Sickle cell crisis can cause a variety of symptoms.
These are related to the organ that is affected.
Symptoms can include:
These symptoms can develop over the course of hours or days.
you could have more than one key in of sickle cell crisis at a time.
A sickle cell crisis can cause lasting damage to the body, which can worsen with more frequent episodes.
Causes and Triggers
There are several situations that can trigger a sickle cell crisis.
Sickle-shaped red blood cells are not smooth like healthy red blood cells.
Instead, they become sticky and prone to clumping together and blocking blood vessels anywhere in the body.
Can You Prevent Sickle Cell Crisis?
Sickle cell crisis can cause substantial distress, and it takes at least a few days to resolve.
Sometimes a sickle cell crisis can be dangerous.
Prevention includes medical interventions and lifestyle approaches.
What Are the Treatments for Sickle Cell Crisis?
In general, sickle cell crisis is managed symptomatically.
Pain control is a major treatment focus.
Summary
Sickle cell crisis is a complication of sickle cell disease.
An episode can cause severe pain, shortness of breath, or organ damage.
Medication is also available to prevent sickle cell crisis.
Treatment may include pain medication, blood transfusion, or oxygen supplementation.
Consider joining a support group to meet with other people who are going through the same situation as you.
You may be able to encourage each other and to help each other with practical tips.
Food and Drug Administration.FDA approves drug to treat sickle cell disease in patients aged 4 up to 11 years.
2024;16(2):258. doi:10.3390/nu16020258
