What is Sickle Cell?

Sickle cell is an inherited health condition that affects the red blood cells.

In someone with sickle cell unhealthy blood cells get sticky and change in shape which causes the blood cells to get stuck. Picture a small ball rolling through a tube seamlessly, that’s how healthy blood cells flow through our blood vessels carrying oxygen around our bodies. Once the blood cells change into the sickle shape, picture a banana flowing through a tube - eventually the tube will become blocked. This in turn causes pain and other serious complications such as infections, acute chest syndrome and stroke.

Red blood cells have a shorter life span in patients with sickle cell, which causes a short supply of healthy red blood cells. Not enough has been done to educate or fund research into sickle cell disease, however, progress is steadily being made to educate and empower sickle cell patients, families & the wider community over recent years.

Sickle cell disease is a serious and lifelong health condition, although treatment can help manage many of the symptoms.

Knowing Your Genotype

As sickle cell is an inherited condition, it is vital to know your genotype.

Some genotypes are not compatible (in particular SS+AS and others), this runs a high risk of serious complications & carries a 1 in 4 chance that a child may have Sickle cell.

Sickle cell is inherited when a child inherits the sickle cell gene from each parent. Screening is now done at birth with a heel prick test or early pregnancy screening which can also identify risks of a Sickle Cell diagnosis.

This is an incredibly difficult condition to live with that requires constant care and attention. If you do not know your genotype, speak to your GP.

A simple blood test can clarify your status.

Is there a Cure for Sickle Cell?

The only cure for sickle cell disease is a Stem cell or Bone marrow transplant, which is only done in the most rare or severe cases as the procedure and subsequent risks involved are extremely serious.

Patients with sickle cell will need treatment throughout their whole lives, so it is vital for people with sickle cell disease to look after their health, avoiding stress, adopting healthy balanced diets and staying well hydrated.

Daily antibiotics are also offered to sickle cell patients to reduce the chances of getting any infections as it compromises the Immune system.

Research into other therapies are still on going but the condition remains underfunded and under represented in our communities.