Sickle Cell Disease

🚨 Symptoms

Pain crises (vaso-occlusive), fatigue, jaundice, swelling of hands/feet, frequent infections, delayed growth, vision problems

🔍 Causes

Genetic disorder causing abnormal hemoglobin (HbS); autosomal recessive; more common in African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern descent

💊 Treatment

Pain management, hydroxyurea, blood transfusions, bone marrow transplant, penicillin prophylaxis, vaccinations, folic acid supplementation

📝 Nursing Care

Pain assessment and management during crises, monitor for complications (stroke, acute chest syndrome), educate on avoiding triggers (dehydration, hypoxia, cold)

Source: NHS Scotland. For educational purposes only.