The most common signs and symptoms are linked to anemia and pain. Other signs and symptoms are linked to the disease’s complications.

The most common symptoms of anemia are fatigue (feeling tired or weak). Other signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia include: Shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, coldness in the hands and feet.

Also paler than normal skin or mucous membranes (the tissue that lines your nose, mouth, and other organs and body cavities) and jaundice (a yellowish color of the skin or whites of the eyes) are other symptoms and signs of sickle cell anemia.

Sudden pain throughout the body is also a common symptom of sickle cell anemia. This pain is called a sickle cell crisis. Sickle cell crises often affect the bones, lungs, abdomen, and joints. These crises occur when sickled red blood cells block blood flow to the limbs and organs. This can cause pain and organ damage.

The pain from sickle cell anemia can be acute or chronic, but acute pain is more common. Acute pain is sudden and can range from mild to very severe. The pain usually lasts from hours to as long as a week or more.

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