Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which red blood cells are shaped like sickles and get stuck in small blood vessels. This clogs blood vessels and prevents organs from getting adequate nutrients and oxygen. A patient with sickle cell anemia may have episodes of pain, or crises, jaundice, frequent infections, delayed growth and vision problems, MayoClinic.com says. Sickle cell anemia is an inherited genetic disorder passed from the mother and father. You must understand the causes of sickle cell anemia crises in order to prevent them.
Lack of Fluids
A pain crisis is marked by abdominal pain, bone pain, breathlessness, fever, fatigue, chest pain and rapid heart rate. Furthermore, a pain crisis can cause you to be admitted to the hospital for fluid resuscitation, oxygen resuscitation and pain treatment. According to Medline Plus of the National Institutes of Health, a sickle cell anemia crisis may be caused by a lack of fluids. Sickle cell patients have abnormally shaped red blood cells that flow through the bloodstream. These cells have difficulty passing through small blood vessels, or capillaries. When you're dehydrated, these cells have even more difficulty passing through capillaries, which can lead to a pain crisis. Drinking plenty of fluids--especially during intense activity--can prevent a pain crisis.
Lack of Oxygen
A lack of oxygen can cause a sickle cell pain crisis, Medline Plus says. This occurs because low oxygen levels can trigger abnormal sickling of red blood cells, which are the cells responsible for carrying oxygen through the body. Activities that may reduce blood oxygen levels and cause sickling include demanding physical activity, emotional stress, high altitudes, plane flights and smoking.
Infections
Sickle cell patients are more prone to developing infections because sickle cell anemia causes spleen damage. The spleen is an organ that filters blood for certain types of bacteria and kills them. Sickle cell patients typically have severe spleen damage over time that can result in the surgical removal of the spleen. Because these patients no longer have a spleen, they become more susceptible to infections. In order to prevent infection, stay up to date on vaccinations, frequently wash your hands and avoid sick contacts.
