Difference between revisions of "Sickle Cell Anemia"
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(New page: '''Sickle cell anemia''' is a serious condition in which the red blood cells can become sickle-shaped (that is, shaped like a "C"). Normal red blood cells are smooth and round lik...) |
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'''Sickle cell anemia''' is a serious condition in which the red [[blood]] cells can become sickle-shaped (that is, shaped like a "C"). | '''Sickle cell anemia''' is a serious condition in which the red [[blood]] cells can become sickle-shaped (that is, shaped like a "C"). | ||
Revision as of 00:02, July 15, 2008
It has been suggested that this article or section be merged with [[::sickle cell disease|sickle cell disease]]. (Discuss)
Sickle cell anemia is a serious condition in which the red blood cells can become sickle-shaped (that is, shaped like a "C").
Normal red blood cells are smooth and round like a doughnut without a hole. They move easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. Sickle-shaped cells don't move easily through blood. They're stiff and sticky and tend to form clumps and get stuck in blood vessels.
The clumps of sickle cells block blood flow in the blood vessels that lead to the limbs and organs. Blocked blood vessels can cause pain, serious infections, and organ damage.