Complications
These complications include experiencing a stole, organ damage like the kidneys, liver and spleen, splenic sequestration (the sickle cells get trapped in the spleen, causing it to enlarge and thereby causing left belly pain), gallstones, blindness, leg ulcers, acute chest syndrome when the sickle cells get stuck in the lungs causing severe pain, deep venous thrombosis (DVT) (sickle cells cause blood clots in deep veins-DVT or a lung-pulmonary embolism) and pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs). Priapism (painful long-lasting erections) and pregnancy complications like high blood pressure and blood clots, miscarriage, premature birth and having low birth weight babies are a concern for teens for get pregnant.
Prevention
As a teen living with sickle cell anemia, before trying to conceive (lawfully above 18 years), seek the opinion of a genetic counsellor. They can help you understand the risk of having a child with SCA, the possible treatment, preventive measures and reproductive options.
Sickle cell disease can be diagnosed in an unborn baby by sampling some of the fluid surrounding the baby in the mother’s womb (amniotic fluid). If you or your partner has sickle cell anemia or the sickle cell trait, ask your doctor about this screening.
Diagnosis
A blood test can check the form of hemoglobin that underlies SCA. Other tests may also be needed once a confirmation has been made.
It is also important to assess the risk of experiencing a stroke.