Symptoms can be mild. Usually appears in childhood. Infections, trauma, and pregnancy may trigger symptoms. Inherited or acquired after excessive alcohol use, certain medications, including chloramphenicol, or other disorders, including some cancers and rheumatoid arthritis. More common in the elderly.
Effectiveness is increased when ascorbate is added to the regimen.
Folate and pyridoxine are used, but their effectiveness is under question. Sickle Cell Anemia Serious, life-threatening, inherited disease. The sickle-shaped, inflexible RBC has impaired ability to squeeze through vessels. In addition to anemia symptoms, joint and bone pain, infections, and heart failure can occur. Also occurs in people from India and Spanish-speaking and Mediterranean regions.