Understanding Sickle Cell Anemia: Diagnosis and What to Expect

Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anemia, is quite different from common, low-iron anemia. Both conditions use the term "anemia" because both conditions affect the red blood cell count of the body. However, sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder which can lead to serious consequences, such as organ damage. If you suffer from this disease, getting a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia is the first step in developing a wellness plan with your physician.

Things You'll Need

• Access to a lab for blood tests
• Appointment with a doctor
• Family health history

Show More

Instructions

Know the Symptoms

• 1

  Ask yourself if you suffer from any of the following: swelling in the hands or feet, fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath or yellowing of the skin. Rapid heart rate, vomiting and even chest pain can be symptoms.

• 2

  Be aware that this is just a short list of many possible symptoms. It is always advised that you discuss these and any other symptoms with your doctor.

• 3

  Realize one symptom of anemia is the worsening of other illnesses, since anemia robs the body of oxygen.

Get Tested for Sickle Cell Anemia

• 4

  Be aware that there is not a single, definitive test to determine the presence of sickle cell anemia. Instead, a physician has to triangulate in toward a diagnosis while looking at a number of factors.

• 5

  Have a blood test at your local lab. This is a natural first step in detecting anemia.

• 6

  Know that if sickle hemoglobin shows up in your blood test results, this can indicate the disease. Usually, another blood test will be given to confirm the diagnosis.

Know Your Genetic History

• 7

  Ask your parents if one or both of them suffer from sickle cell anemia.

• 8

  Get tested for this illness if one or both parents answer in the affirmative.

• 9

  Inform your doctor if you have a family history of sickle cell anemia. This can help her diagnose the illness more quickly and aggressively.