Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder that affects the red blood cells, causing them to become rigid, sticky, and shaped like a crescent or “sickle” instead of round. These sickled cells are less able to carry oxygen throughout the body and can block blood flow, leading to pain, organ damage, and other complications. Sickle cell disease is most commonly found in people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian ancestry, and it affects both men and women. In the UK, sickle cell is a significant health concern, and understanding the condition is key to managing its impact on daily life.

How Sickle Cell Disease Develops

Sickle cell disease is inherited, meaning it is passed down from parents to children through their genes. To have sickle cell disease, both parents must carry the sickle cell trait, which means they each have one normal hemoglobin gene and one sickle cell gene. If both parents pass on the sickle cell gene to their child, the child will inherit the disease. If only one parent carries the trait, the child may inherit the sickle cell trait but will not have the disease.

The sickle-shaped red blood cells can clump together and block blood flow, which causes pain and prevents oxygen from reaching tissues. Over time, this can lead to complications, including organ damage, stroke, and increased risk of infection.