Related Terms

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Background

• Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a common name for several inherited disorders that affect red blood cells. SCD affects about 80,000 people in the United States, making it the most common blood disorder in the country. SCD occurs more frequently in certain populations, such as African Americans. In this population, about one out of every 400 people has the disorder.
• SCD occurs in individuals who have defective forms of hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. The defective hemoglobin causes red blood cells to assume an abnormal sickle (or C-like) shape. These irregular-shaped blood cells die early, causing a shortage of red blood cells.
• Because anemia causes decreased oxygen in the blood, symptoms may include shortness of breath and fatigue. Anemia may also increase the risk of infections and may delay growth in children.
• Sickle cell anemia (SCA), or SS disease, is the most common form of SCD. The terms "sickle cell anemia" and "sickle cell disease" are often used interchangeably.
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Risk Factors

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Causes

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Signs and Symptoms

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Types of the Disease

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Diagnosis

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Complications

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Treatment

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Integrative Therapies

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Prevention

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Author Information

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References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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