What are the most common causes of pain triggers for those living with Sickle Cell?

Pain triggers in individuals with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) can vary, but some common causes include:

1. Vaso-occlusive Crisis (VOC): This occurs when sickled red blood cells block blood flow, causing pain due to impaired oxygen supply or infarction-reperfusion tissue injuries [2], [3], [4].
2. Dehydration: Lack of adequate hydration can increase blood viscosity, leading to more frequent sickling of cells [5], [6].
3. Temperature Changes: Exposure to cold temperatures can trigger a pain crisis by causing blood vessels to constrict [5].
4. Infection: Illnesses can increase the risk of a sickle cell crisis [5].
5. Stress: Emotional stress can contribute to a pain crisis, possibly due to physiological responses that affect blood flow and oxygen delivery [6].
6. Strenuous Exercise: Physical exertion can increase the need for oxygen, potentially leading to VOC [6].
7. Smoking: This can trigger acute chest syndrome, a severe complication of SCD [6].

These triggers can vary from person to person, and managing them is an essential part of living with SCD.

Sources

• healthline.com – What Can Trigger a Sickle Cell Crisis?
• ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Mechanisms of pain in sickle cell disease
• cdc.gov – Complications of Sickle Cell Disease
• mayoclinic.org – Sickle cell anemia – Symptoms & causes
• kidshealth.org – Sickle Cell Crisis (Pain Crisis) (for Teens)
• medicalnewstoday.com – Sickle cell pain crisis: Triggers, treatment, and home …