pathoscribe

Written by Jayne Thakur | Art by Wyatt Ngai 

Although we normally visualize blood cells to be oval or circular, those afflicted with Sickle Cell Disease have their blood cells in a sunken shape. As a result of their deformed shapes, they are unable to properly attach to oxygen, and often end up clumping together within blood vessels to cause blockage. The culmination of the two prevent proper oxygen transport throughout the body and can hurt the patient in various parts of the body.

Patients with SCD often experience frequent painful episodes, with radiating pain across the arms, legs, and torso. Often this can lead to inflammation and swelling in the joints. However, depending on the patient, this can also be accompanied by breathing problems, fatigue, pale or jaundiced skin, or even stroke.. At the prolonged presentation of any of these symptoms, it is important to seek out professional health advice in regards to potential health risks. The earlier things are diagnosed, the more tailored treatment can be.

As this is a genetically transmitted disease, the diagnosis requires genetic testing prior to birth, or a blood prick test if a diagnosis is required later in childhood. Normally, all cases begin to show symptoms by the time a child reaches 5 or 6 months of age. Children are more likely to end up with SCD if their parents or ancestors come from parts of Asia, Africa, or South America.

There are not many easily accessible cures for sickle cell anemia, and the only way to definitively eliminate the possibility of its prognosis is to complete a bone marrow transplant. However, this is a rare and risky procedure, so often healthcare professionals attempt to focus on treating many of the symptoms instead. Various courses of treatment can include antibiotics for infections, blood transfusions to introduce healthier blood cells, or certain disease specific medications that decrease the likelihood and impact of blood sickling. 

Works Cited:

Cleveland Clinic. (2025, August 13). What is sickle cell disease?. Cleveland Clinic. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12100-sickle-cell-disease 

Mayo Clinic Staff. (2025, December 23). Sickle cell anemia. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sickle-cell-anemia/symptoms-causes/syc-20355876