If you have a sickle cell crisis, you will need plenty of fluids. You may be given fluids through a drip into a vein if you are in hospital. While you are in hospital, you may be given oxygen through a mask. If you are not getting enough oxygen, more of your red cells may become sickle shaped. You may need to have a blood transfusion if you have serious complications. This means you will be given blood or some of its components, taken from a donor. The blood will be given straight into your bloodstream through a small tube (cannula) put into a vein, usually in your arm. This will increase the amount of normal haemoglobin in your blood thereby reducing the risk of the red cells becoming sickle shaped.
Attribution: BUPA