These clots and the decrease in normal red blood cells make it difficult for all parts of your body to get enough oxygen. The first symptoms of sickle cell disease usually do not appear until a child is about a year old. The first symptoms are often brought on by a viral infection. They may include fever, swelling of the hands and feet, and joint or abdominal pain. Toddlers and children may have frequent pain with or without any physical signs of illness.
Crises are the times when the abnormal red blood cells form clots.
The most common symptom of a sickle cell crisis is pain. The pain is usually felt in the part of the body where the sickling cells are causing thickening and clotting of the blood. Sickle cell anemia can cause your skin to appear pale as the anemia worsens. The paleness may be most obvious on the inside of your eyelids, under fingernails, and in the creases of the palms of your hands. One of the life-threatening complications of sickle cell disease can be sudden, severe anemia.