Their eyes become yellow because of a substance released when their red blood cells break down. A Water helps veins to get bigger so that the sickle-shaped cells can flow through the veins easier and not get jammed together or cause as much pain. As a result of needing to drink so much water, and because SCD causes problems with their kidneys, they need to use the restroom more often. A Children with SCD have less oxygen-carrying cells functioning in their bodies. Oxygen is necessary for the production of energy.
Less oxygen results in less energy for development.
This makes it hard for them to grow and develop at a normal rate. They will develop the same way as other kids do, but they may take a little longer. They have doctor appointments and periods of time when they are too sick or in too much pain to go to school. Pain is an individual experience. It is imperative for children with SCD to maintain adequate hydration by drinking plenty of fluids and NOT get dehydrated.