The sickled red blood cells can become trapped in the blood vessels, creating a clot as more trapped sickle red blood cells build up. (Learn Genetics, 2013). Normal blood flow is thus interfered with, which can lead to sudden pain in the body as well as damage to body tissues and organs over the course of time. (Vedro, 2002). When this happens in small blood vessels, it is called vascular occlusion. This can occur anywhere in the body, such as in the fingers, the arms, legs, brain, eyes, etc. It varies in length, intensity, periods between each episode, and location of pain. (Vedro, 2002).
Lower immune system also occurs, making the person more prone to infections and illnesses. (Vedro, 2002). Delayed growth is experienced as well as spleen sequestration (sudden pooling of blood in the spleen. Clotting occurs in the spleen, causing the filter of blood to stop functioning, leading to infections from unfiltered bacteria and a swelling of the spleen.) (Vedro, 2002).
Lower immune system also occurs, making the person more prone to infections and illnesses. (Vedro, 2002). Delayed growth is experienced as well as spleen sequestration (sudden pooling of blood in the spleen. Clotting occurs in the spleen, causing the filter of blood to stop functioning, leading to infections from unfiltered bacteria and a swelling of the spleen.) (Vedro, 2002).
Acute Chest syndrome:
· chest pain
· trouble or fast breathing or retractions
· congested pneumonia-like cough
· abdominal pain
· fever. (Vedro, 2002).
Aplastic Crisis:
· paleness, uneasiness
· lethargy
· headache
· fever
· low blood count
· fainting
· upper respiratory infection. (Vedro, 2002).
Stroke:
· convulsions or seizures
· unsteady walk
· slurred speech
· weakness
· paralysis
· changes in vision
· Gallstones
· Jaundice
· Priapism. (Vedro, 2002).
Other Symptoms:
· Irritability
· unusual sleepiness
· unusually pale colour
· fatigue and weakness
· abnormally fast beating of the heart
· pain on the left side of the abdomen. (Vedro, 2002).
· Episodes of pain
· Swelling of the tissues, and warmth. (Most common sites of pain for children over two years old are the back, abdomen, joints, and bones.)
· Hemorrhages
· Arthritis. (Vedro, 2002).
· Fever of 38 degrees C or higher
· Coughing
· vomiting or diarrhea
· crankiness
· rapid or trouble breathing
· Meningitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis. (Vedro, 2002).
· chest pain
· trouble or fast breathing or retractions
· congested pneumonia-like cough
· abdominal pain
· fever. (Vedro, 2002).
Aplastic Crisis:
· paleness, uneasiness
· lethargy
· headache
· fever
· low blood count
· fainting
· upper respiratory infection. (Vedro, 2002).
Stroke:
· convulsions or seizures
· unsteady walk
· slurred speech
· weakness
· paralysis
· changes in vision
· Gallstones
· Jaundice
· Priapism. (Vedro, 2002).
Other Symptoms:
· Irritability
· unusual sleepiness
· unusually pale colour
· fatigue and weakness
· abnormally fast beating of the heart
· pain on the left side of the abdomen. (Vedro, 2002).
· Episodes of pain
· Swelling of the tissues, and warmth. (Most common sites of pain for children over two years old are the back, abdomen, joints, and bones.)
· Hemorrhages
· Arthritis. (Vedro, 2002).
· Fever of 38 degrees C or higher
· Coughing
· vomiting or diarrhea
· crankiness
· rapid or trouble breathing
· Meningitis, pneumonia, or osteomyelitis. (Vedro, 2002).