Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Red blood cells contain hemoglobin, a protein that carries oxygen. Healthy red blood cells are round. They move through small blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
In someone who has SCD, the hemoglobin is abnormal. This causes the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a sickle. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells. When they travel through small blood vessels, sickle cells get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other health problems such as infection, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.
We want to help keep you well. Here is a list of resources you can use to learn about sickle cell disease.
Source: About Sickle Cell Disease | Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) | CDC
