Sickle Cell Disease
Sickle cell disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder where the hemoglobin in red blood cells is abnormal. Hemoglobin carries oxygen through the body, but in SCD, the hemoglobin S causes red blood cells to take on a crescent shape. This makes them rigid, less flexible, and prone to clumping, which can block blood flow and prevent oxygen from reaching vital organs. This leads to complications like pain, infections, and organ damage. The sickle-shaped cells also die prematurely, causing a shortage of red blood cells and anemia.
