Sickle Cell Crisis (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Sickle Cell Crisis Overview
- Sickle Cell Crisis Causes
- Sickle Cell Crisis Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Sickle Cell Crisis Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medications
- Other Therapy
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Authors and Editors
- Viewer Comments: Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) - Describe Your Experience
Sickle Cell Crisis Causes
Sickle cell disease results from mutation, or change, of certain types of hemoglobin chains in red blood cells (the beta hemoglobin chains).
The changes in the building of normal hemoglobin result in the abnormal hemoglobin of sickle cell disease. These mutated molecules do not have the smooth motion needed for oxygenation and deoxygenation. When the oxygen concentration in the blood is reduced, the red blood cell assumes the characteristic sickle shape. This causes the red blood cell to be stiff and rigid, and stops the smooth passage of the red blood cells through the narrow blood vessels.
It does not take much imagination to see sharp-end "sickled" red cells stacking up in narrow blood vessels known as capillaries. When this happens, red blood cells are not able to carry oxygen to tissues, and tissue cell injury or death occurs. Someone with sickle cell disease would be experiencing pain with this process-the sickle cell crisis.
Next: Sickle Cell Crisis Symptoms »
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Sickle Cell Disease (Sickle Cell Anemia) - Describe Your Experience
Please describe your experience with sickle cell disease (sickle cell anemia).
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Sickle Cell Anemia »
Sickle cell disease (SCD) and its variants are genetic disorders of mutant hemoglobins (Hb).
