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Sickle Cell Symptoms

Biology: Cambridge International GCSE Supplement, topic 18.1.4

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell anaemia is a recessive, inherited blood disorder where a change in the base sequence for haemoglobin results in abnormal haemoglobin and crescent-shaped red blood cells. This condition causes the following symptoms as a result:

Painful episodes (sickle cell crises)

Painful episodes (sickle cell crises)

  • These episodes can last up to seven days and cause severe pain in parts of the body, such as hands, feet, spine and ribs.
Anaemia

Anaemia

  • People with anaemia can't carry enough oxygen in their blood.
Increased number and severity of infections

Increased number and severity of infections

  • People with the condition are more easily infected by other pathogens (diseases).
Other symptoms

Other symptoms

  • Other symptoms include ulcers, kidney problems and strokes.

Test yourself on Sickle Cell Symptoms

  • Which of the following is an inherited, recessive blood disorder?

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