Sickle Cell Crisis

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 6, 2025.

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A sickle cell crisis is a painful episode that occurs in people who have sickle cell anemia. It happens when sickle-shaped red blood cells (RBCs) block blood vessels. Blood and oxygen cannot get to tissues, causing pain. A sickle cell crisis can also damage your tissues and cause organ failure, such liver or kidney failure. A sickle cell crisis can become life-threatening.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent

is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Intake and output:

Healthcare providers may measure how much liquid you drink. They may also measure how much you urinate.

A pulse oximeter

is a device that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood. A cord with a clip or sticky strip is placed on your finger, ear, or toe. The other end of the cord is hooked to a machine.

You may need extra oxygen

if your blood oxygen level is lower than it should be. You may get oxygen through a mask placed over your nose and mouth or through small tubes placed in your nostrils. Ask your healthcare provider before you take off the mask or oxygen tubing.

Drugs used to treat this and similar conditions

Incentive spirometry:

You may be taught to use an incentive spirometer to help you take deep breaths. Put the plastic piece into your mouth and slowly take a breath as deep and as long as you can. Hold your breath as long as you can. Then let out your breath. Do this as often as directed.

Medicines:

• Pain medicine may be given. Do not wait until your pain is severe to ask for more medicine.
• Antidepressants improve mood and may help decrease pain.
• Antibiotics treat or prevent a bacterial infection.
• Hydroxyurea helps your body make red blood cells that are less likely to sickle. This may help decrease your pain.

Tests:

• Blood tests are done to look at your RBCs. They also show liver and kidney function and give information about your overall health.
• An x-ray, ultrasound, or MRI may show if sickle cell anemia has affected organs, such as your liver or kidney. You may be given contrast liquid to help the organs show up better in the pictures. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.

Treatment:

• IV fluids treat dehydration and help reduce sickling of RBCs.
• A blood transfusion replaces blood with RBCs that are not sickle shaped.
• Surgery may be done to remove part of your spleen.
• Occupational and physical therapy may help improve movement and strength and decrease pain. An occupational therapist teaches you skills to help with your daily activities.

Treatment options

The following list of medications are related to or used in the treatment of this condition.

• hydroxyurea
• Droxia
• Siklos
• Endari
• Adakveo

View more treatment options

RISKS:

A sickle cell crisis may cause severe pain. A sickle cell crisis may harm organs, such as your kidneys or spleen. It may also lead to liver or kidney failure. A sickle cell crisis may cause trouble breathing or lung problems. A sickle cell crisis increases your risk for a heart attack or stroke. These conditions may become life-threatening.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your healthcare providers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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Further information

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