Sickle Cell Anemia: Understanding the Cause, Symptoms & Complications

The disease in which red blood cells are abnormally shaped, causing them to clog vessels is called sickle cell anemia. In this condition, due to a genetic mutation, the hemoglobin in red blood cells crystallizes in the form of long, rigid and elongated structures, giving the cells a sickle shape. These sickle-shaped cells become less flexible and can get stuck in small blood vessels, causing blockages and leading to a range of complications, including pain episodes, organ damage, infections, and other health issues.