Sickle Cell Anaemia

Date: 30 June 2009

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited condition passed on by both parents. It affects the red blood cells. Our blood carries oxygen from the lungs to every part of our bodies in the haemoglobin. The haemoglobin is part of the red blood cells. When there is not enough oxygen in the blood we become anaemic. Sickle Cell Anaemia is a disorder of the haemoglobin. When the red blood cells become short of oxygen they become sickle shaped. This is known as sickling.

Sickle Cell Anaemia Sickle Cell Anaemia is an inherited condition passed on by both parents. It affects the red blood cells. Our blood carries oxygen from the lungs to every part of our bodies in the haemoglobin. The haemoglobin is part of the red blood cells. When there is not enough oxygen in the blood we become anaemic. Sickle Cell Anaemia is a disorder of the haemoglobin. When the red blood cells become short of oxygen they become sickle shaped. This is known as sickling.

In some circumstances sickling can give rise to symptoms. Sickling can also result in what is known as a Sickle Cell Crisis. This is discussed in this leaflet. Sickle Cell Anaemia is not contagious or infectious.

Further information

For further information on symptoms, treatments and helpful advice, download our leaflet. You can also get further assistance from the following places:

The Sickle Cell Society provides information, support and counselling. It can also give details of local groups throughout the UK. Contact them at:

Sickle Cell Society,
54 Station Road, Harlesden,
London,
NW10 4UA
Tel: 020 8961 7795
www.sicklecellsociety.org

To find out more about the work of the Divisional Equalities Forums and Usdaw's equality work or about joining Usdaw contact:

The Equalities Section
Usdaw, 188 Wilmslow Road
Manchester M14 6JL
Tel: 0161 224 2804

Sickle Cell Anaemia (Women's Health Leaflet 7) was correct at date of publication June 2009.

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Last Modified: Monday, 21-Sep-2009 23:37:19 EST