Sickle Cell; Not Just The Disease By: Gabriella Jones

   Sickle cell disease is a genetic disorder, meaning it is passed down from parent to child. But not every person with the sickle cell trait actually has sickle cell disease. Let’s use apples as an example. If you have one “red apple" and one “green apple”, you are still a red apple. So you don’t have sickle cell disease, but you still carry the trait. If two people with the sickle cell trait have a child, that still doesn’t mean their child will have sickle cell! Each parent can pass down a “red apple” or a “green apple,” meaning it is possible for their child to not inherit the sickle cell trait at all. Although this outcome is uncommon, having a child with only “green apples,” or sickle cell disease is equally uncommon. The most common outcome is having a child who also has one “green apple” and one “red apple” resulting in the sickle cell trait being carried down. 

Unfortunately, people with the sickle cell trait can still experience complications related to the disease without ever having it themselves. These complications include episodes of extreme pain in certain situations such as increased atmospheric pressure, low oxygen levels in the air, dehydration, and high altitudes.

Let’s take a clear overview of each situation. Atmospheric pressure is the force that the air pushes on us with. Imagine it like gravity, at all times the air has a pressure and that pressure becomes a force that pushes down on you. At most times on the surface land, the pressure is normal and completely stable, but as you get closer and closer to earth’s core, there is more air above you and more force pushing down on you. This is why we need things like submarines and scuba gear! If a person with sickle cell trait went scuba diving or found themselves deep in the ocean, they may experience an episode of extreme pain. 

Low oxygen levels in the air occur when the amount of breathable air decreases around you. At all times there's air around you that you breathe in and out. For example, if you climb a mountain. The air becomes thinner and the amount you can breathe is less. It is important to know that this can occur even when not on a mountain or high in the air, like on an airplane. In situations with extreme physical exertion, like an intense workout your body may need more oxygen that it can take in from the air around you. 

Dehydration is a lack of water in the body, humans ourselves are seventy percent water, but that doesn’t mean we don’t need even more water! Just like how water can evaporate from puddles or small ponds in the summer, water evaporates from our bodies too! And it is used up as our body performs its daily functions. So each day you need to replenish the water in your body by drinking a bottle of water, washing your hands, or showering. Yes, your skin absorbs water as well!

Altitude is the height you are at! So if you climb up a ladder or even go upstairs, your height or altitude increases. Don’t worry though, going up one or even ten flights of stairs isn’t going to dangerously raise your altitude. High altitude is experienced when you drastically increase your height, such as when going on a plane, climbing a mountain, or visiting a city or country situated atop a hill or mountain. 

Pain isn’t the only side effect of these complications. For example, splenic infarction is a medical condition in which the tissue that makes up your spleen begins to die. This can be caused by high altitude, dehydration, or extreme physical activity. While this condition can be treated, it also can become more severe, and may even lead to a ruptured spleen. Sickle cell trait also raises the risk of severe eye problems. When suffering any type of eye injury with sickle cell trait, the chance of developing even more serious issues is increased. These issues can cause bleeding in the eye due to pressure build up, or even permanent damage. 

Sickle cell disease affects over seven million people globally, and three hundred million people are estimated to carry the sickle trait globally. Many carriers are completely unaware that they have the trait and may experience serious complications, without knowing the risk. The Sickle cell trait is mostly prominent in minority communities that already suffer from medical discrimination, and misinformation about the health of minority groups plagues the medical world. This is why it is so important to bring awareness to these diseases and traits so individuals have the knowledge to advocate for themselves.

Works referenced 

CDC, What is sickle cell trait? 15, May, 2024 What Is Sickle Cell Trait? | Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) | CDC 

Biology insights, How rare is sickle cell anemia? US and global stats. 10, march, 2026 How Rare Is Sickle Cell Anemia? US & Global Stats - Biology Insights