SIGNS: The most common sign of anemia is fatigue (feeling tired or weak). Other signs and symptoms of anemia may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Headaches
• Coldness in the hands and feet
• Paler than normal skin or mucous membranes (the tissue that lines your nose, mouth, and other organs and body cavities)

It can be also detected taking a blood test for sickle cell disease on all newborn infants. This test is performed at the same time and from the same blood samples a. Hemoglobin electrophoresis . If the test shows the presence of sickle hemoglobin, a second blood test is performed to confirm the diagnosis. These tests also tell whether the child carries the sickle cell trait.

COPING: The patient can be helpe by coping with the pain in the way that your doctor may prescribe strong pain medicines. If so, talk with him or her about how to safely use these medicines. Other ways to manage pain include using a heating pad, taking a hot bath, resting, or getting a massage. Physical therapy might help ease your pain by helping you relax and strengthening your muscles and joints. Counseling or self-hypnosis also may help. You may find that activities that keep your mind off the pain, such as watching TV and talking on the phone, are helpful.

For the families there are Sickle cell centers and clinics can provide information and counseling. Ask your doctor or the staff at a sickle cell center if there are support groups for families in your area. Talking with others who are facing the same challenges you are can be helpful.