Episodes Of Pain
Do you know that periodic episode of pain are also called pain crises, and these are the primary symptoms of sickle cell anemia? In adults, the pain develops when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow through tiny vessels to the chest, abdomen, and joints. Along with the body, the pain also occurs in the bones.
However, the pain varies in intensity. It may last for a few hours to a few weeks, but some people have only a few pain crises. Several people have a dozen or more pain crises, and they need a hospital stay.
Some adults with sickle cell anemia have chronic pain that can result from bone and joint damage.