WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is a sickle cell crisis? A sickle cell crisis is a painful episode that occurs in people who have sickle cell anemia. It happens when sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) block blood vessels. Blood and oxygen cannot get to your tissues, causing pain. A sickle cell crisis can also damage your tissues and cause organ failure, such liver or kidney failure. A sickle cell crisis can become life-threatening. What are signs and symptoms of a sickle cell crisis? Your symptoms may change each time you have a crisis. They will depend on the area of your body where blood flow has been blocked. - Fever
- Pain
- Weakness or fatigue
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Headaches
- A painful, erect penis (priapism) in men
- Fast heartbeats
- Shortness of breath
What can trigger a sickle cell crisis? - Dehydration
- Infection, such as a cold or the flu
- Low oxygen levels from difficult exercise, flying, or high altitude
- Getting cold or going from warm to cold quickly
- Medical procedures, surgery, or having a baby
- Strong emotions, such as anger or depression
How is pain managed during a sickle cell crisis? - Medicines may be given to decrease pain or to decrease sickling of your RBCs. You may also need medicine to prevent a bacterial infection or help you breathe more easily.
- NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Acetaminophen decreases pain and fever. It is available without a doctor's order. Ask how much to take and how often to take it. Follow directions. Acetaminophen can cause liver damage if not taken correctly.
How else is a sickle cell crisis treated? - IV fluids treat dehydration and help reduce sickling of RBCs.
- Oxygen helps increase oxygen levels in your blood and make it easier for you to breathe.
- A blood transfusion replaces blood with RBCs that are not sickle shaped.
- Surgery may be done to remove part of your spleen.
How can I prevent a sickle cell crisis? - Take vitamins and minerals as directed. Folic acid can help prevent blood vessel problems that can come with sickle cell anemia. Zinc may decrease how often you have pain.
- Drink liquids as directed. Dehydration can increase your risk for a sick cell crisis. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Balance rest and exercise. Rest during a sickle cell crisis. Over time, increase your activity to a moderate amount. Exercise regularly. Avoid exercise or activities that can cause injury, such as football. Ask about the best exercise plan for you.
- Stay out of the cold. Do not go quickly from a warm place to a cold place. Do not go swimming in cold water. Stay warm in the winter.
- Do not smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol. These increase your risk for a sickle cell crisis. Nicotine and other chemicals in cigarettes and cigars can cause lung damage. Ask your healthcare provider for information if you currently smoke and need help to quit. E-cigarettes or smokeless tobacco still contain nicotine. Talk to your healthcare provider before you use these products.
- Ask about vaccinations you need. Vaccinations can help prevent a viral infection that may lead to a sickle cell crisis. Get a flu shot every year as directed. You may need pneumonia vaccines every 5 years.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have shortness of breath or chest pain.
- You are a man and have an erection that is painful and does not go away.
- You lose vision in one or both eyes.
When should I seek immediate care? - You feel like you cannot cope with your pain, or you feel like hurting yourself.
- You have behavior changes, a seizure, or faint.
- You have a fever.
- You have abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting.
- You have a different or worse headache.
- You have new weakness or numbness in your arm, leg, or face.
- You have new pain in any part of your body.
- Your urine is dark and you are urinating less than usual or not at all.
- You are dizzy, lightheaded, or faint.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have any new signs or symptoms.
- You have blood in your urine.
- You are constipated or you have diarrhea.
- You have changes in your vision.
- You have increased fatigue.
- You plan to travel by airplane or to a high elevation.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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