Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder. It alters the shape of
the red blood cells (RBCs). This decreases their ability to
carry oxygen. It can also cause acute episodes of pain. These
are called a sickle cell crisis. The body will also destroy the
sickle cells. The loss of RBCs results in The change in the
ability and number of RBCs can decrease the amount of oxygen for
the body. Red Blood Cells: Normal and Sickle Copyright © Nucleus
Medical Media, Inc. RBCs are normally soft and round. This helps
them move easily through the blood vessels. A main building
block of the RBC is People with sickle cell anemia have an
abnormal type of hemoglobin. It causes the RBCs to become hard
and sickle-shaped. Because of their odd shape, some of the cells
get stuck in the small blood vessels. There they break apart.
The broken parts can cause blockages in the vessels. This can
happen in a blood vessel that leads to a major organ. The
decreased blood flow can cause severe pain and organ damage. The
body also recognizes tha