Painful Events in Sickle Cell Disease
People with
sickle cell disease, an inherited condition, have
blood cells that can change form, turning from round into a "sickle" or
crescent shape.
Sickled cells can block the blood supply 
to parts of the body and cause pain.
This pain, mild to severe, can last from hours to days. "Painful event" or
"painful crisis" are the terms used to describe these episodes. Some people who
have sickle cell disease have many painful events, while others have few or
none.
Painful events can affect any part of the body, but the most common areas include the:
Compartment syndrome occurs when excessive pressure builds up inside an enclosed space in the body. Compartment syndrome usually results from bleeding or swelling after an injury. The dangerously high pressures in compartment syndrome impede the flow of blood to and from the affected tissues. It can be an emergency, requiring surgery to prevent permanent injury.
Read the Compartment Syndrome article > >
- Bones of the spine.
- Bones in the arms and legs.
- Chest.
- Abdomen.
It isn't always possible to know what sets off a painful event, but triggers include dehydration, cold temperatures, infection, stress, and low oxygen intake.
You can help avoid painful events by drinking plenty of fluids, especially before, during, and after exercise or strenuous activity and when you have a fever or infection. If possible, try to stay out of chilly weather or situations where you might become cold.
You can also prepare for a painful episode in advance by creating a pain management plan with your doctor. This plan should include not only the types of medicines you can take at home but also other actions you can take at home to relieve pain. Pain medicine may include either over-the-counter items, such as ibuprofen, or stronger medicine prescribed by your doctor. Also, know when it’s best to call for medical help or go to a hospital. Some painful episodes may need IV therapy for fluids and powerful pain medicines, such as morphine, to ease the pain.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
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