Most sufferers of sickle cell anemia will complain of fatigue, will have a shortness of breath and complain of palpitations or irregular heartbeats. These increase in heartbeat comes from the shortage of red blood cells. The fatigue and shortness of breath will result in the patient being unable to go about normal physical activities.

Sickle cell anemia symptoms also include episodes of pain, and this is caused by the abnormal blood cells blocking the smaller blood vessels, thus affecting tissue which then starts dying and causes irritation in nerve endings that cause the pain.

Excessive and easy bruising is a red flag. Untreated sickle cell anemia can clog the circulatory system and lead to swelling and bruises that seem disproportionate to the injury. If the baby is forming bruises from being picked up or has swollen hands and feet for no discernible reason, a pediatrician should be consulted immediately.

Another tell-tale warning sign is pain in the bones, joints, and soft tissues. If the baby is crying more when he or she is handled, shrieks in pain at being held, or seems unwilling to be comforted, the baby could be in pain from sickle cell.

Thankfully, sickle cell anemia is very treatable and can be managed. Knowing the early warning signs and sickle cell anemia symptoms is vital for early detection.

One of the major sickle cell anemia symptoms is pain in the hands, feet and back. Some people also experience pain in other parts of their body. Anemia is also very common amongst people with sickle cell disease. People who notice that they are feeling an unusual amount of fatigue should also get checked out for this illness. Another common symptom is the skin appearing to have a yellow tinge.

Once a person notices these symptoms it is important to see a doctor. This illness has the ability to severely impair the life of the person affected. While there is no treatment for this condition, it can be managed. Those who do not get treatment will have to tolerate high levels of pain for the rest of their lives.

Hand and foot swelling is often the first symptom noticed by those who were not diagnosed at birth. The extremities swell due to blockages in the circulatory system, so the patient may notice a tingling or numb sensation. Rings and watches may also feel tight.

Another symptom that often leads to diagnosis is an episode of extreme pain known as a crisis. A crisis can last anywhere from half a day to several weeks. A severe crisis may require hospitalization.

By understanding and recognizing sickle cell anemia symptoms, patients can seek treatment early. Early diagnosis and treatment can lower the instances of crisis, avoid damage to internal organs, and help increase the patient’s quality of life.