Sickle Cell Awareness

Understanding Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a condition that people are born with. It changes the way red blood cells work. Normally, red blood cells are round and soft, so they can move easily through blood vessels and carry oxygen to all parts of the body. In SCD, a change in a gene causes the hemoglobin inside the cells to form incorrectly. This makes the red blood cells stiff, sticky, and shaped like a crescent, or sickle. These sickle cells break apart more quickly, which can cause anemia, and clog small blood vessels. When blood flow gets blocked, oxygen cannot reach parts of the body, which can cause pain and other health problems.

The Tennessee Department of Health is committed to increasing awareness, connecting Tennesseans with reliable information and resources, and supporting efforts to improve health outcomes across the state. Whether you are living with sickle cell disease, caring for a loved one, or simply want to learn more, this site provides trusted information to help you understand the condition, available services, and steps you can take to protect your health.

Learn More About Sickle Cell Disease

Dr. Tobi Adeyeye Amosun, Deputy Commissioner for Population Health, discusses sickle cell disease and the importance of awareness.

Watch Dr. Amosun's Sickle Cell Awareness Video on YouTube

Sickle Cell Disease Changes Blood Cells

Illustrated diagram comparing the flow of normal blood cells to sickle cells..

Image Description: This is an educational graphic that uses side‑by‑side illustrations to compare normal blood flow with blood flow affected by sickle cell disease. The top illustration shows healthy, round red blood cells moving smoothly through a blood vessel. The bottom illustration shows sickle‑shaped red blood cells that stick together and block blood flow within the vessel. Labels highlight that normal red blood cells are round and smooth, while sickle cells are crescent-shaped. The important information from this image is sickle cell disease affects how red blood cells are shape. Healthy red blood cells keep blood moving. Sickle cells can block blood flow.

Contact

For basic information or questions about Sickle Cell Disease, contact TDH's Newborn Screening Program:

  • Phone: (615) 532-8462
  • Toll-Free: (855) 202-1357
  • Fax: (615) 532-8555
  • Email: nbs.health@tn.gov

Sickle Cell Genetics & Inheritance

Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease. It means a person has one sickle cell gene and one normal gene. People with SCT usually do not have symptoms, and SCT does not turn into SCD. However, they can pass the sickle cell gene to their children.

If a child gets one sickle cell gene and one normal gene, they will have SCT. But if both parents have SCT, their child could get two sickle cell genes. If that happens, the child will have SCD. More than 1% of babies born in Tennessee have SCT, which shows why newborn screening is so important.

Inheritance Pattern of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease is inherited when a child receives two sickle cell genes—one from each parent. If both parents are carriers, there is a 1-in-4 (25%) chance with each pregnancy that their child will have sickle cell disease. Genetic counseling and testing can help you understand your risk and family planning options.

Infographic of sickle cell disease inheritance pattern.

Image Description: An infographic that explains how sickle cell trait is inherited. It shows a situation where one parent is a carrier of the sickle cell trait and has one normal hemoglobin gene (A) and one sickle cell gene (S). The other parent is not a carrier and has two normal hemoglobin genes (A). The infographic uses simple pictures and colors to show how these genes can be passed to a child.

It explains that each pregnancy has a 50% chance of the child getting two normal genes and not being affected, and a 50% chance of the child getting one normal gene and one sickle cell gene, making the child a carrier. The image also notes that people with sickle cell trait usually do not have symptoms of sickle cell disease. It encourages families to consider genetic counseling and testing to better understand their risks and plan for future pregnancies.

Early Detection and Treatment are Important

Causes of Sickle Cell Disease

The usual hemoglobin gene is called hemoglobin A, while the most common abnormal genes are known as hemoglobin S or hemoglobin C. There are also a few other, less common hemoglobin genes.

How is Sickle Cell Diagnosed?

In the United States, all newborn babies are checked for certain health conditions, including sickle cell disease. In Tennessee, this newborn test looks for both sickle cell disease (SCD) and sickle cell trait (SCT). Older children and adults can ask a doctor for a check‑up and a special blood test (called hemoglobin electrophoresis) to find out if they carry the sickle cell gene or have another related condition.

Finding sickle cell disease early is important because it can raise the risk of infections and other health problems. A doctor may also recommend more tests to make sure there are no other problems.

Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease can affect many major organs and cause a wide range of complications.  Each person may have different symptoms, which may be mild or severe. 

Common complications can include:

Anemia: In people with SCD, red blood cells break down earlier than they should. This causes a condition called anemia. Anemia occurs when the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen.

Episodes of Pain: Periodic pain is a common complication of SCD. It occurs because sickle-shaped red blood cells can block blood flow in small blood vessels.  Pain episodes may start suddenly, vary from mild to severe, and last for short or long periods. People may experience short episodes of pain, chronic pain, or both.

Fevers and Infections: People with SCD are more likely to develop infections, especially certain bacterial infections. A fever can be the first sign of an infection, and for some patients, it may be the only sign of infection. For those with SCD, it is important to be evaluated by a physician as soon as a fever develops.

Lung problems: There are several lung issues that can occur in people with SCD. These include acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, blood clots, and breathing problems during sleep.

Organ Damage: People with SCD are at a higher risk for problems involving the heart, kidneys, lungs, and other organs because reduced blood flow and oxygen can damage these tissues. Symptoms of organ damage can differ based on which organ is involved.  This can be serious, so people with SCD need regular check-ups to watch for organ problems.

Circulation Problems: Sickled cells can block blood vessels, which can lead to problems such as blood clots, stroke, and painful swelling in the hands and feet.

How to Live a Healthy Life with Sickle Cell Disease

People with sickle cell disease (SCD) can stay healthier by following good habits.

  • Keep up with medical care

It is important for people with SCD to see their doctor regularly. They should get all their routine vaccines, including vaccines for seasonal illnesses. Because they can get certain infections more easily, they may need extra vaccines to help protect them. Regular checkups help keep them healthy.

  • Take medicines as directed

Medicines are an important part of treating SCD. Some medicines can be started when a child is still a baby to help prevent problems later on. Taking medicine every day, exactly as the doctor says, helps reduce pain episodes and other health issues.

  • Exercise safely

Being active is good, but people with SCD should exercise carefully. Light or moderate activities are usually best. It is important to take breaks, drink water, and stop if you feel tired. Hard, heavy exercise can raise the chance of pain or other problems.

  • Stay hydrated

People with SCD need to drink plenty of water each day. Drinking enough water helps the blood flow smoothly. If the body does not have enough water, red blood cells can get stickier and block blood vessels, which can cause pain. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to help prevent problems.

  • Practice good hygiene

People with SCD need to avoid infections. Washing hands often, staying away from people who are sick, and keeping up with vaccines are good ways to prevent illness.

  • Avoid triggers

Some things can make pain episodes more likely. People with SCD should try to avoid:

- Extreme physical activity

- Not drinking enough water

- Stress

- Infections

- Sudden changes in temperature

- Smoking or vaping

- Drinking too much alcohol

- Drinking too much caffeine

This Page Last Updated: August 24, 2026 at 11:53 AM