Genetic Cause
Sickle cell disease causes red blood cells to form into a crescent shape, like a sickle. The sickle-shaped red blood cells break apart, causing anemia. Sickle red blood cells can live only 10-20 days instead of the normal 120 days. The damaged sickle red blood cells also clump together and stick to the walls of blood vessels, blocking blood flow. This cause's severe pain and permanent damage to the brain, heart, lungs, kidneys, liver, bones, and spleen. Severe pain is called acute sickle cell crisis. A person may not know what cause the pain, but infection and dehydration are common triggers.