What are the complications? Complications from the sickle cells blocking blood flow and early breaking apart include:
- pain episodes
- strokes
- increased infections
- leg ulcers
- bone damage
- yellow eyes or jaundice
- early gallstones
- lung blockage
- kidney damage and loss of body water in urine
- painful erections in men (priapism)
- blood blockage in the spleen or liver (sequestration)
- eye damage
- low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- delayed growth
What can be done to help prevent these complications? Sickle cell patient should be under the care of a medical team that understands sickle cell disease. All newborn babies detected with sickle cell disease should be placed on daily penicillin to prevent serious infections. All of the childhood immunizations should be given plus the pneumococcal vaccine. Parents should know how to check for a fever because this signals the need for a quick medical checkup for serious infection. The following are general guidelines to keep the sickle cell patient healthy:
- Taking the vitamin folic acid (folate) daily to help make new red cells
- Daily penicillin until age six to prevent serious infection (some take it for a longer period)
- Drinking plenty of water daily (8-10 glasses for adults)
- Avoiding too hot or too cold temperatures
- Avoiding over exertion and stress
- Getting plenty of rest
- Getting regular check-ups from knowledgeable health care providers
Patients and families should watch for the following conditions that need an urgent medical evaluation:
- Fever
- Chest pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Increasing tiredness
- Abdominal swelling
- Unusual headache
- Any sudden weakness or loss of feeling
- Pain that will not go away with home treatment
- Priapism (painful erection that will not go down)
- Sudden vision change
