Sickle cell anemia is an inherited genetic disorder. In this disease the circle, shaped red blood cells are changed to a crescent shape. The change in shape results in small blood clots the blood clots can get serous and result in a painful episode called "sickle cell pain crises."

The disease is caused by an abnormal type of hemoglobin called hemoglobin S. hemoglobin is an oxygen-carrying molecule. This molecule is inherited and an only be caught form both parents. Sickle cell is inherited and present at birth but symptoms are not noticeable until the child is about 4 months old.

This disease can become life threatening when the damaged blood cells break down and the spleen enlarges and traps the blood cells. The blocked blood vessels can cause painful episodes. The painful episodes can last any where from hours to days. When people with sickle cell are dehydrated, infected...