Steps to Better Lung Health for People with Sickle Cell Disease
People with sickle cell disease (SCD) are at greater risk than the general population for lung problems. Lung problems can cause breathing-related difficulties and disorders and sleep-related disorders. Share your medical history with your healthcare team so it can properly identify and treat any complications of SCD you have or may develop. Your healthcare team may include your primary care provider, SCD provider, and any other healthcare specialists. Below is one step you can take towards better lung health.
Talk to your provider if you have, or have ever had, any signs or symptoms of breathing- or sleep-related problems. Use the checklist below to guide this discussion.
It is important to share your checklist with your provider because he or she may need to perform
- A sleep study (a test used to diagnose sleep disorders); and/or
- Routine testing to measure how well your lungs are working.
Learn more about sleep disorders »
This information is based on ASH SCD Guidelines: Cardiopulmonary and Kidney Disease.
