What is a common symptom of Sickle cell anemia?

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic blood disorder characterized by the production of abnormal hemoglobin, which can lead to several complications and symptoms. A significant symptom associated with sickle cell anemia is severe joint pain, often referred to as "sickle cell crisis." This pain occurs when the sickle-shaped red blood cells block the flow of blood through small blood vessels, leading to tissue ischemia and pain.

Another common symptom of sickle cell anemia is a higher susceptibility to infections. This happens because the sickle cells can damage the spleen, an organ that plays a crucial role in fighting infections. As a result, patients with sickle cell anemia are at an increased risk for bacterial infections, particularly at a young age.

Understanding these symptoms is essential for recognizing the complications associated with sickle cell anemia, and both severe joint pain and frequent infections are significant indicators of the disease's impact on an individual's health. Hence, the answer that combines these two symptoms accurately reflects common manifestations of the condition.