SICKLING CRISIS

Updated 5/24

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Sickle cell anemia is a form of anemia common to certain peoples in areas of the world,
for example Africa,Caribbean and Mediterranean. The red blood cells are not rounded, 

but have a sickle shape. Red blood cells carry oxygen and in sickle cell anemia, their 

ability is limited. In a crisis, the cells clump and occlude the veins, not arteries as these
have high pressure.

Conditions such as anxiety , dehydration,  infection or trauma may trigger a sickling crisis.
Difficulty breathing and excruciating pain are symptoms of a crisis. Treatment is directed
at giving oxygen, monitoring vital signs and correcting the cause. Magnesium Sulfate is

also used to treat this condition.