Sickle cell crisis, also called vaso-occlusive crisis, is a painful and potentially life-threatening episode that occurs in individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD). This type of blood disorder is caused by an abnormal genetic mutation. The condition affects one’s hemoglobin and turns the shape of red blood cells into sickle-shaped cells, leading to restricted blood flow, anemia, and increased risk of infections. Understanding the warning signs of sickle cell crisis is important.
Intense pain and headaches
Sickle cell crisis brings excruciating pain, often accompanied by headache or dizziness. Individuals experiencing a crisis describe the pain as sharp, throbbing, and unbearable. This pain can occur anywhere in the body but is most commonly felt in the bones and joints. It can be so severe that it interferes with daily activities, making it impossible to ignore.
Muscular weakness and swelling
Muscular or general weakness can manifest in various parts of the body during sickle cell crisis, making it difficult to move some parts of one’s body or perform everyday tasks. It can also be due to swelling of hands and feet or localized swelling that can be tender or painful to the touch. These symptoms mainly occur because the sickle cells get stuck in the small vessels and block blood flow.
Breathing problems
Sickle cell crises can also affect the lungs, leading to shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing, or both. When sickle cells block blood vessels in the lungs, it can result in acute chest syndrome, a medical emergency. Shortness of breath should never be ignored and should be evaluated by a healthcare professional immediately.
Tiredness
Fatigue is a common symptom of many health conditions, but it can become alarming when experienced during a sickle cell crisis. Anemia, a condition characterized by a lack of healthy red blood cells, is a common complication of sickle cell disease. During a crisis, the body’s oxygen-carrying capacity is further compromised, leading to extreme fatigue and weakness.
Jaundice
Jaundice, characterized by yellowing of the skin and eyes, can occur during a sickle cell crisis. When sickle cells break down, they release a substance called bilirubin, which can build up in the bloodstream and cause jaundice. the disease may also be accompanied by dark urine and pale stools, indicating that the liver is affected.
Priapism
In males, an alarming sign of a sickle cell crisis is priapism, a painful obstruction of the blood vessels caused by sickle cells. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention to prevent long-term damage including impotency.
