What is Sickle cell anemia and what causes it

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asked Oct 20, 2016 in Other- Health by Judy (56,120 points)
What is Sickle Cell Anemia and what causes it?

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answered Oct 20, 2016 by Lilly21 (57,780 points)
Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia — a condition in which there aren't enough healthy red blood cells to carry adequate oxygen throughout your body.

Normally, your red blood cells are flexible and round, moving easily through your blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells become rigid and sticky and are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These irregularly shaped cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood flow and oxygen to parts of the body.

There's no cure for most people with sickle cell anemia. However, treatments can relieve pain and help prevent further problems associated with sickle cell anemia.

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