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Sickle cell disease
CONDITION AFFECTING THE RED BLOOD CELLS
HCA UK's experts can help to diagnose and manage a range of blood conditions including sickle cell disease.
About sickle cell disease
Sickle cell disease is an inherited condition that affects your red blood cells. If you have sickle cell disease, your body produces abnormally shaped red blood cells, which have a reduced lifespan and can cause vein blockages. This can cause pain, infections and anaemia (where your body doesn’t have enough red blood cells to meet its needs).
Need to know
The most common symptoms of sickle cell disease are:
- feeling tired
- being short of breath
- pain caused by sickle cell crises episodes, where the red blood cells get stuck in your veins
Symptoms of sickle cell disease can develop soon after birth, and the condition mainly affects people who are of African, Caribbean, Middle Eastern, Eastern Mediterranean and Asian origin.
The condition is caused by faulty genes, and it is possible to pass on the condition to your children, so it’s important to speak to your GP or consultant if you are considering starting a family as severe cases can cause strokes, lung conditions and infections such as flu.
Sickle cell disease is most commonly diagnosed during pregnancy or soon after birth, as part of the newborn blood spot test (heel test).
Your GP or consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and may recommend you for further tests, including blood tests to check the condition of your red blood cells, and to see if you’re a carrier of the faulty gene.
Treatment options for sickle cell disease depend on the extent of your condition and your general health and fitness.
These may include:
- drinking plenty of fluids and keeping warm to prevent painful sickle cell crisis episodes
- blood transfusions (where blood is taken from a donor and transfused to you)
- taking medicines, including painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce your symptoms
- stem cell or bone marrow transplants
Our Sickle cell disease locations
The Harley Street Clinic
35 Weymouth Street W1G 8BJ London
University College Hospital Private Care
Grafton Way Building, 1 Grafton Way WC1E 6AG London
The Princess Grace Hospital
42-52 Nottingham Place W1U 5NY London
The Lister Hospital
Chelsea Bridge Road, SW1W 8RH London
The Shard Outpatients
The Shard, 32 St Thomas Street SE1 9BS London
London Bridge Hospital
27 Tooley Street SE1 2PR London
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.