Complications of SCD: Anemia

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At a glance

Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a group of inherited blood disorders associated with severe pain and complications that can affect the entire body. This page provides information on SCD and anemia.

Woman lying on a couch.

Overview

With SCD, the red blood cells die early, leading to a condition called anemia. Anemia occurs when there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body.

Symptoms

When a person has anemia, they might feel tired. Other symptoms can include:

  • Irritability
  • Dizziness and lightheadedness
  • A fast heart rate
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Pale skin color
  • Jaundice (yellow color to the skin and whites of the eyes)
  • Slow growth or delayed puberty

Other resources

Anemia | National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute

Anemia | National Library of Medicine, MedlinePlus

Anaemia | World Health Organization

Keep Reading Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
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Content Source
National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD)
About This Page
Published: May 15, 2024
Updated: May 14, 2024

This page was last updated on this date. Updates may include minor edits, image changes, or other modifications to page content.

Reviewed: August 7, 2026

The information on this page was last reviewed by subject matter experts to ensure accuracy.