There are a number of complications that can occur as a result of sickle cell anaemia. These include severe infections, eg pneumonia and salmonella; acute chest syndrome -this affects your lungs and symptoms may include pain in your chest, a high temperature and difficulty breathing. One may get a stroke, which is caused by a blocked blood vessel in your brain -children with sickle cell anaemia can be screened to see if they are at risk of a stroke so that preventive actions can be taken. One may get loss of vision due to damage in the blood vessels at the back of your eye. Organ damage-in particular damage to your lungs, kidneys and heart may happen. You may need to urinate frequently.
Attribution: BUPA