Severe anemia can make a person pale and tired, and makes the person's ability to carry oxygen to the tissues more difficult. Healing and normal growth and development may be delayed because of chronic anemia. These are also called vasoocclusive crises. The pain can occur anywhere, but most often occurs in the chest, arms, and legs. Painful swelling of the fingers and toes, called dactylitis, can occur in infants and children under 3 years of age.
Priapism is a painful sickling that occurs in the penis.
Any interruption in blood flow to the body can result in pain, swelling, and possible death of the surrounding tissue not receiving adequate blood and oxygen. This can be a life-threatening complication of sickle cell disease. It often occurs suddenly, when the body is under stress from infection, fever, or dehydration. The sickled cells stick together and block the flow of oxygen in the tiny vessels in the lungs. It r esembles pneumonia and can include fever, pain, and a violent cough.