Acute Sickle Cell Pain

Also called: Vaso-Occlusion, Pain Crisis

What Is Acute Sickle Cell Pain?

People with sickle cell disease sometimes have painful episodes known as acute sickle cell pain.

Acute sickle cell pain can happen anywhere in the body, such as the arms, legs, joints, back, or chest. It can come on suddenly and range from mild to severe. The pain can last for a few hours, a few days, or sometimes longer.

What Causes Sickle Cell Pain?

Sickle cell disease changes the shape of red blood cells. Instead of being flexible and disc-shaped, they’re curved and stiff. These sickle-shaped blood cells don't flow through blood vessels easily, and can clog the vessels. If this happens, blood and oxygen can't get through, and parts of the body (like the heart, lungs, and kidneys) can't work the way they should. The blockage also can cause pain.

Pain is more likely when someone is sick, dehydrated, cold, or stressed.

What Should I Do if I Have Sickle Cell Pain?

If you have pain, tell an adult what's going on. To help ease the pain, you can:

• Try relaxation techniques like focused, mindful breathing or listening to music.
• Try to distract yourself from the pain. Maybe watch something interesting on TV, read, listen to a book on tape, text with friends, or play a game on your phone.
• Apply warm compresses where it hurts (never use ice or cold packs).
• Drink lots of water and other non-caffeinated beverages.
• Take over-the-counter pain medicines (the kind you can buy without a prescription), like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
• Some people have a plan to treat pain at home with prescription medicines. If you do, follow that plan as the care team instructed.

If these things don’t help and you are still in pain, call your doctor or go to the ER. You might need to get stronger medicines given through an IV (into a vein). Sometimes IV fluids or other treatments can help too.

What Can Help Prevent Pain From Sickle Cell Disease?

Sometimes pain happens for reasons you can't control, like when you're sick. But you’re less likely to have pain episodes if you:

• Take all the medicines your doctor recommends as directed.
• Drink lots of water throughout each day, but especially when exercising and on hot days.
• Get enough rest.
• Avoid extreme temperatures — for example, dress warmly when going outdoors in winter.
• Talk to your doctor about which activities are right for you and which to avoid.
• Wash your hands well and often or use a hand sanitizer, especially before eating.
• Stay away from people who are sick.
• Get all recommended vaccines to help protect you from serious illness.
• Don't smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs.