3.Diagnosis
In the U.S., every baby gets a blood test at birth that shows if they have sickle-shaped cells. Older children and adults can get this blood test, too. Doctors can also screen a fetus for the genes that cause sickle cell disease early in pregnancy. They draw out a sample of amniotic fluid from the womb to do the test.
4.Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
This disease can lead to strokes, high blood pressure in your lungs, organ damage, leg ulcers, blindness, and gallstones. Sickle cell can also cause acute chest syndrome, a potentially deadly condition that involves chest pain, fever, cough, and a hard time breathing. Men with sickle cell may get long-lasting, painful erections (priapism) or become impotent. Women can have complicated pregnancies.
