Sickle cell anemia is a type of sickle cell disease, which is an inherited blood disorder that affects hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen through the body. In sickle cell anemia, the hemoglobin is abnormal, causing the red blood cells to become hard and sticky and look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle” . This abnormality affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells, leading to anemia. The symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6 months of age and vary from person to person. Some of the common symptoms include:

• Anemia: Sickle cells break apart easily and die, leaving a shortage of red blood cells. Without enough red blood cells, the body cant get enough oxygen, leading to fatigue.
• Swelling of hands and feet: The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands and feet.
• Organ damage: Sickle cells that block blood flow to organs deprive the affected organs of blood and oxygen. In sickle cell anemia, blood is also chronically low in oxygen. This lack of oxygen-rich blood can damage nerves and organs, including kidneys, liver, and spleen, and can be fatal.
• Leg ulcers: Sickle cell anemia can cause painful open sores on the legs.
• Gallstones: The breakdown of red blood cells produces a substance called bilirubin. A high level of bilirubin in the body can lead to gallstones.

Sickle cell anemia is caused by a defect in a gene that a person inherits from both parents. People who inherit only one gene are healthy and said to be a "carrier" of the disease. There are several types of sickle cell disease, and the different types depend on the genes a person inherits from their parents.