Sickle cell is one of the most common genetic conditions in England — according to the national institute for health and care excellence.
There are around 17,000 people living with this disorder characterised by intense pain.
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells, which are normally round and flexible, to become stiff, sticky and crescent-shaped.
A crisis is when these red blood create blockages within blood vessels. This can happen anywhere in the body.
Anyone who has concerns about having sickle or carrying the sickle cell trait can get tested through their local GP or at specialist sickle cell centre
Listen below to learn about how sickle cell disease affects patients’ everyday life.
Featured image: zhang shuaizhang on Unsplash
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