1. Anemia
They break apart easily and die, leaving you without a good supply of red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells in circulation, your body can't get the oxygen it needs to feel energized. That's why anemia causes fatigue.
2. Blood infection
Sickle cells can damage your spleen, an organ that fights infection. This may make you more vulnerable to infections.
3. Episodes of pain
Pain develops when sickle-shaped red blood cells block blood flow through tiny blood vessels to your chest, abdomen and joints.
4. Delayed growth
A shortage of healthy red blood cells can slow growth in infants and children and delay puberty in teenagers.
5. Vision problems
Tiny blood vessels that supply your eyes may become plugged with sickle cells. This can damage the retina.
6. Hand foot syndromes
The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood flow out of their hands and feet.
7. Fever
People with sickle cell anemia have an increased risk of infection, and fever can be the first sign of an infection.