How long do sickle cell crisis last

You take this medicine regularly, around the clock, rather than waiting for the pain to return before taking your next dose.

A heating pad, hot bath, rest or massage might help. Physical therapy to relax and strengthen your muscles and joints might lessen your pain. Individual counseling, self-hypnosis and activities to keep you from thinking about your pain such as watching television or talking on the telephone might also help.

It's important for you to have a positive attitude, create a supportive environment, and develop coping skills to help you deal with your disease. Strong family relationships and close personal friends can be helpful. A support group might help you cope with your disease. Work with your family doctor to set goals for the management of your pain.

Becoming more actively involved in your treatment will help you better manage your disease. First, talk to your doctor. You can also get information and support from the following organization: Sickle Cell Disease Association of America, Inc. Already a member or subscriber?

Log in. Interested in AAFP membership? Learn more. This handout is provided to you by your family doctor and the American Academy of Family Physicians. This information provides a general overview and may not apply to everyone.

Talk to your family doctor to find out if this information applies to you and to get more information on this subject. This content is owned by the AAFP. A person viewing it online may make one printout of the material and may use that printout only for his or her personal, non-commercial reference. This material may not otherwise be downloaded, copied, printed, stored, transmitted or reproduced in any medium, whether now known or later invented, except as authorized in writing by the AAFP.

Contact afpserv aafp. The blockage also can cause pain. Pain crises are more likely when someone is sick, dehydrated , cold, or stressed. Pain during a sickle cell crisis can happen anywhere in the body, such as the arms, legs, joints, back, or chest. It can come on suddenly, and be mild or severe. The pain can last for a few hours, a few days, or sometimes longer. If these things don't help, you may need prescription pain medicine.

If you are still in pain, call your doctor or go to the ER. You may need to get stronger medicines and IV fluids in the hospital. If you carry the sickle cell trait, seeing a genetic counselor before trying to conceive can help you understand your risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia. They can also explain possible treatments, preventive measures and reproductive options.

Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. Overview Sickle cell anemia Open pop-up dialog box Close. Sickle cell anemia Normal red blood cells are rounded and disk-shaped. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Field JJ , et al. Overview of the management and prognosis of sickle cell disease. Accessed Dec. Sickle cell disease. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Remember, every patient is different, and be sure to consult your doctor before taking any medication. My hot water bottle is my best friend, especially during colder months. A hot water bottle can aid in pain management by dilating blood vessels and increasing blood flow.

The warmth also distracts from the pain. Distract yourself from the pain! Do things that make you feel good. This is problematic, as the body needs nutrients. Staying hydrated should always be a priority, but it should be even more important during a sickle cell crisis. Staying hydrated helps increase blood flow. The body is weak during a sickle cell crisis. Doing too much can exacerbate the situation.

Focus on recovering. If possible, postpone your plans and get your strength back. Sickle cell crises make me upset and frustrated. I used to compare the difficulties of my life to the seemingly stress-free existence of people without sickle cell. Ultimately, that train of thought did nothing to improve my mindset.

It was only when I consciously changed the way I thought that I was able to look after myself with enthusiasm. I honestly believe that a positive outlook on life, irrespective of what is actually going on, will help you through difficult times. So, to all my sickle cell warriors, keep your head up!