Overview
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder, common in Nigeria, in which red blood cells become stiff and crescent-shaped, blocking small blood vessels and causing painful crises and anaemia. It occurs when a child inherits the sickle gene from both parents — which is why genotype testing before marriage is so strongly advised. With good routine care, people with SCD live increasingly full lives.
Symptoms
- Episodes of severe bone, chest or abdominal pain (crises)
- Chronic tiredness and paleness
- Yellowing of the eyes
- Swollen, painful hands and feet in young children
- Frequent infections
- Delayed growth in children
- Leg ulcers in older patients
Causes & risk factors
- Inheriting the sickle haemoglobin gene from both parents (genotype SS)
- Crisis triggers: dehydration, infection, cold, stress and overexertion
- Malaria worsening anaemia and triggering crises
Treatment & self-care
Routine care includes daily folic acid, malaria prevention, prompt treatment of infections, plenty of fluids and regular clinic follow-up; doctors may prescribe hydroxyurea to reduce crises. Painful crises are managed with prescribed pain relief, warmth, fluids and rest, with hospital care for severe episodes. Knowing your genotype — and your partner's — prevents the disease in the next generation.
See a doctor urgently if
- Pain crisis not controlled by usual home measures
- Fever in anyone with sickle cell disease
- Chest pain, cough or difficulty breathing
- Sudden weakness, slurred speech or one-sided numbness
- Sudden severe paleness or an enlarging spleen in a child