Sickle cell disease
SCD, SS, sickler
What it is
Sickle cell is a blood condition you are born with. It is inherited from both parents. Red blood cells become stiff and curved, block small blood vessels, and break down too fast. It is common in Africa and is not anyone’s fault.
Common signs
- Pain crises — sudden pain in bones, chest or belly
- Tiredness and pale skin or eyes (anaemia)
- Yellow eyes (jaundice)
- Swollen hands and feet in young children
- Frequent infections
- Slow growth in children
How it is diagnosed
A special blood test shows the type of haemoglobin (the red part of blood). Newborn screening finds it early. Both partners can test before having children.
Tests
- Haemoglobin electrophoresis or HPLC — confirms sickle cell
- Sickle cell rapid test — quick screening test
- Full blood count — shows how low the blood is
- Transcranial Doppler scan — checks stroke risk in children
How food affects it
Food cannot cure sickle cell. But good nutrition, plenty of water and folic acid help the body make new blood and fight infection. Drinking lots of water helps prevent pain crises. Keep taking your medicines, like hydroxyurea and malaria prevention, and attend clinic.
Food as medicine, alongside your medicine. Food works alongside your medicines, not instead of them. Never stop or change your tablets without talking to your health worker.
Eat often
- Plenty of water every day — helps prevent crises
- Leafy greens, beans and groundnuts — folate to make new blood
- Fish, eggs, milk and beans — protein for growth
- Fruits like oranges, guava and pawpaw — vitamin C
- Orange-fleshed sweet potato, pumpkin and red palm oil — vitamin A for immunity
- Folic acid tablets — as advised by a health worker
Eat in moderation
- Iron tablets or iron tonics — only if a test shows low iron; many people with sickle cell do not need extra iron
Avoid or cut down
- Alcohol — dries the body out
- Getting thirsty — always carry water, especially in hot weather
- Herbal “cure” products — none can cure sickle cell
Get help urgently
Go to hospital at once for fever, severe pain, chest pain or breathing trouble, weakness on one side, a big belly or very pale skin in a child, or a painful erection lasting over 2 hours.
General information, not a diagnosis. Always follow the advice of your health worker.