Sickle cell disease: Causes, symptoms, risks and treatments
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that prevents red blood cells from being shaped normally.
When these misshapen cells travel through the body, they can clog the blood vessels and deprive organs of the oxygen they need to function properly.
This can lead to painful episodes, called sickle cell crises, as well as long-term complications such as organ damage and stroke.
Read on to learn more about the causes, symptoms, and treatments of sickle cell disease.