Sickle cell disease (sickle cell anaemia) is a blood disorder where red blood cells are sickle shaped. Normal red blood cells move easily through blood vessels, taking oxygen to every part of your body. Sickle cells can get stuck and block blood vessels, stopping the oxygen and causing a lot of pain. The disease can harm organs, muscles and bones and cause pain, infection, anaemia and stroke. Having sickle cell disease is a lifelong battle but many people are able to have a good life by learning to manage the disease.
Attribution: Straight Talk Foundation