22/06/2022
𝕊ℂ𝔻 𝕊𝕚𝕔𝕜𝕝𝕖 ℂ𝕖𝕝𝕝𝕤 𝔻𝕚𝕤𝕖𝕒𝕤𝕖
Healthy red blood cells are round and move through tiny blood vessels to transport oxygen to all parts of the body. In a person who has SCD, red blood cells harden, become sticky and bear the appearance of a C-shaped agricultural tool called “hoz.” Sickle cells or drepanocytes die prematurely, causing a constant shortage of red blood cells. Also, when drepanocites circulate through tiny blood vessels, they get stuck and obstruct blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems such as infections, acute chest syndrome, and stroke.
