Treatment of Abdominal Pain in Sickle Cell Disease

Sickle cell disease can cause painful episodes when sickled cells block small blood vessels, but abdominal pain can also come from infection, gallbladder disease, constipation or another emergency. The pain may occur with fatigue, pale skin or joint pain. Its location, severity, temperature and change from your usual pattern help clinicians decide what tests and treatment are needed.

Follow the written pain plan from your haematology team and take prescribed medicines exactly as directed. Drink regularly if you can keep fluids down, rest, and keep warm without overheating. Do not exceed the recommended dose or combine products containing the same pain medicine. Record when pain began, where it is, associated symptoms and what you have taken.

Seek emergency care for severe or rapidly worsening pain, a hard or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, fever, chest pain, breathing difficulty, fainting, confusion, marked weakness or inability to drink. A clinician may arrange a blood test and imaging. People with sickle cell disease should use their specialist emergency instructions even when an episode resembles earlier pain.

What is my home pain plan and which symptoms override it? How much fluid is suitable for me? Which medicines should I avoid, and when should I attend hospital rather than wait for a review?