The Disease
Sickle cell anemia is the most common form of the sickle cell disease (SCD). SCD is a serious disorder in which the body makes sickle-shaped like red blood cells. “Sickle-shaped” means that the red blood cells are shaped like a semi-circular or half moon looking.
Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped and look like doughnuts without holes in the center. They move easily through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin (an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body) called sickle hemoglobin. Hemoglobin causes the cells to develop a sickle, or crescent, shape.
Sickle cells are stiff and sticky. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. Blocked blood flow can cause pain and organ damage. It can also raise the risk for infection.
Normal red blood cells are disc-shaped and look like doughnuts without holes in the center. They move easily through your blood vessels. Red blood cells contain an iron-rich protein called hemoglobin. This protein carries oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Sickle cells contain abnormal hemoglobin (an iron-containing protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen around the body) called sickle hemoglobin. Hemoglobin causes the cells to develop a sickle, or crescent, shape.
Sickle cells are stiff and sticky. They tend to block blood flow in the blood vessels of the limbs and organs. Blocked blood flow can cause pain and organ damage. It can also raise the risk for infection.
