Sickle Cell Awareness
Understanding Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited condition that changes the way red blood cells work. Normally, red blood cells are round and flexible, which help them move easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen throughout the body.
In SCD, a genetic change causes hemoglobin inside the cells to form abnormally, making the cells stiff, sticky, and shaped like a crescent, or sickle. These sickle-shaped cells break down faster than normal, causing anemia, and they can also block small blood vessels. When blood flow is blocked, oxygen cannot reach parts of the body, which can lead to pain and other health problems.
Although it is one of the most common inherited blood disorders in the United States, early diagnosis, routine medical care, and access to support services can help people with sickle cell disease live longer, healthier lives.
Sickle Cell Disease Changes Blood 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.
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.
Sickle Cell Genetics & Inheritance
Sickle cell trait (SCT) is not a disease. It means that a person carries one sickle cell gene and one normal gene. People with SCT usually do not have symptoms, and the trait does not turn into SCD. However, they can pass the sickle cell gene to their children.
People with SCT have one normal gene and one abnormal gene. These individuals can pass the gene on to their children. If a child inherits the sickle cell gene from one parent and one normal gene from another, they will also have SCT. But if both parents have the trait, there is a chance their child could inherit two sickle cell genes. In that case, the child would have SCD.
More than 1% of all Tennessee infants are born with SCT, which highlights the importance of newborn screening.
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.
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
Sickle cell disease is a genetic condition a person is born with. It occurs when a child receives two abnormal hemoglobin genes – one from each parent. While the usual hemoglobin gene is called hemoglobin A while the abnormal genes are called hemoglobin S or hemoglobin C, but there are other less common abnormal hemoglobin genes as well.
How is Sickle Cell Diagnosed?
In the United States, newborns are routinely screened at birth, and this includes testing for sickle cell conditions. In Tennessee, the newborn screening test screens for both SCD and SCT. Older children and adults can ask a healthcare professional for a physical exam and blood test (called hemoglobin electrophoresis) to determine whether they carry the sickle cell gene or have another related condition.
Early detection and treatment are important because SCD increases the risk of infections and other health problems. A healthcare professional may also suggest additional tests to check for possible complications.
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 brief 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 an early sign of 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 complications that can occur in people with SCD. These include acute chest syndrome, pulmonary hypertension, pulmonary embolism, and sleep-disordered breathing.
Organ Damage: People with SCD are at a higher risk for problems involving the heart, kidneys, lungs, and other organs because decreased blood flow and oxygen can damage these tissues. Symptoms of organ damage can vary widely depending on which organ is affected. This can be serious, so patients with SCD need close monitoring for signs of organ damage.
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
For everyone, but especially those with SCD, it is important to have healthy habits.
Stay Up to Date with Medical Care
It is essential for patients with SCD to keep regular checkups with their primary care provider. People with SCD should receive all routine vaccinations, including the seasonal respiratory illness vaccinations. Because they are at a higher risk for certain infections, they often follow a specialized vaccine schedule for added protection. This is an important step in staying healthy!
Medication Compliance
Medications are an important part of treating SCD. Your child can begin medications as a baby to help prevent long-term complications. Taking them consistently and as prescribed is essential for them to work effectively. These medicines can help reduce pain episodes, prevent complications, and improve overall health.
Exercise Safely
People with SCD benefit from regular physical activity, but it’s important to exercise carefully. Moderate, low-intensity aerobic activities are usually the safest choice. Be sure to take breaks, stay hydrated, and stop to rest if you feel tired. Strenuous exercise can increase the risk of pain crises and other complications.
Stay Hydrated
It is very important for people with SCD to drink plenty of water every day. Staying well-hydrated helps the blood flow more smoothly. When the body does not have enough water, red blood cells can become stickier and start to clump together. This can block blood vessels and may trigger pain. Drinking enough fluids is one of the simplest ways to help reduce risks and support overall health.
Practice Good Hygiene
People with SCD and their close contacts need to minimize their risk of infection. Frequent hand-washing, avoiding sick contacts, and staying up to date on immunizations are the most effective ways to prevent infections.
Avoid Triggers
Unpredictable pain is a common challenge for people living with SCD. While the frequency of pain episodes varies from person to person, certain factors can increase the risk of triggering pain. To reduce episodes, patients should avoid the following triggers:
- Extreme physical activity
- Dehydration
- Stress
- Infections
- Sudden changes in temperature
- Smoking or Vaping
- Excessive alcohol use
- Excessive caffeine intake
Sickle Cell Disease Resources
Resources for Patients and Families
- Athletes with Sickle Cell Disease Form
- Partnering with Your School Resource
Tennessee Resources
- The Tennessee Sickle Cell Disease Surveillance Program
- The Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee
- Sickle Cell Foundation of Middle Tennessee
- Breaking the Sickle Cell Cycle Foundation
Resources for Physicians
- 2026 TennCare Sickle Cell Report
- Newborn Screening Data: Tennessee (2016-2020) | Sickle Cell Disease and Thalassemia Programs | CDC
- Clinical Practice Guidelines on Sickle Cell Disease - Hematology.org
- Evidence-Based Management of Sickle Cell Disease: Expert Panel Report, 2014 | NHLBI, NIH
- Addressing Sickle Cell Disease: A Strategic Plan and Blueprint for Action
- CMS Sickle Cell Disease Provider Toolkit
This Page Last Updated: July 28, 2026 at 9:26 PM