Chest pain in sickle cell disease: what to know

Sickle Cell Disease can affect blood flow and oxygen delivery. Chest pain may occur during a pain crisis, but it can also signal acute chest syndrome, infection, or another problem involving the lungs or heart. Fever, cough, breathlessness, fast breathing, unusual tiredness, or a drop in alertness increase concern. Pain elsewhere, such as Joint Pain, may occur during the same illness. A clinician needs to assess the whole pattern rather than treating chest pain as an isolated symptom.

Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department as soon as chest pain starts. Tell staff that you have sickle cell disease, describe your usual crisis plan, and bring your medicines if this is practical. Keep warm, avoid exertion, and follow your personal care plan while waiting for help. Do not delay assessment by relying only on home pain medicine. The team may check oxygen levels, examine your breathing, and use a Blood Test or other tests to guide treatment.

Get emergency help for any chest pain with breathlessness, fever, cough, rapid breathing, dizziness, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, or blue lips. The same urgency applies if pain is sudden, worsening, or unlike your usual crisis. Children and adults with sickle cell disease can become seriously ill quickly, so improvement after a dose of medicine should not replace clinical assessment.

Ask for a written chest-pain action plan, which symptoms distinguish your usual crisis from acute chest syndrome, which medicines are safe for you, and when your care team wants you to call. If relevant, ask how screening and family planning information should be handled.