Sickle Cell Crisis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Causes

Signs/Symptoms

Care

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO

• Always wear a medic-alert bracelet or necklace stating you have sickle cell anemia.
• Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day--more if you have a fever. This helps keep the cells from blocking blood vessels.
• During a pain crisis:
  • Stay warm.
  • Apply warm compresses to painful parts of your body.
  • Rest in bed.
• To prevent a crisis:
  • Avoid high altitudes. (Don't drive in the mountains or use air travel.) If you have to fly, take oxygen while you are in the air.
  • Avoid activities that may cause injury.
  • See your doctor immediately if injury or infection occurs.
  • If you become pregnant, see your doctor regularly.
  • Avoid difficult exercise.
  • Avoid cold temperatures.
  • Make sure you or your child gets all the necessary shots, especially the shot protecting you against pneumonia.

Call Your Doctor If...

• You have signs or symptoms of pain crisis.
• You have a sore that won't get better.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• You have severe chest pain, with or without a cough.
• You have severe stomach pain, abdominal pain, or constant vomiting.
• You have severe pain in a bone or joint.
• You have blood in your urine or urine that appears cloudy.
• You have fainting spells.