When you live with sickle cell disease (SCD), it is important to drink plenty of water and other fluids. This helps you to stay hydrated. If you become dehydrated, your sickle cell symptoms may become worse.

People with sickle cell disease have a problem with their red blood cells. Their red blood cells contain an abnormal type of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the substance in the blood that carries oxygen from the lungs to other areas of the body. Instead of being round like normal red blood cells, their red blood cells look like a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle.” These abnormal cells can have trouble getting through small blood vessels. They can get hard and sticky. Also, there is a constant shortage of red blood cells in someone with sickle cell disease.

When the abnormal blood cells block small blood vessels in the body, less blood reaches that part of the body. Eventually, these parts of the body can become damaged.

What happens when you become dehydrated?

When you use or lose more fluids than you take in, you become dehydrated. This means your body does not have enough water and other fluids to carry out normal functions. Just because you are not thirsty does not mean you are drinking enough water. Many people, especially older adults, do not feel thirsty until they are already dehydrated.

Signs of dehydration often differ by age. In children, symptoms of dehydration may include dry mouth and tongue, no tears when crying, and no wet diapers for 3 hours. In adults, signs may include extreme thirst, dark-colored urine, fatigue, and dizziness.

Dehydration is especially worrisome in people with SCD. When you have SCD and you are not well hydrated, your red blood cells can clump together. This can cause a condition called sickle cell crisis. During a sickle cell crisis, you can experience pain. The pain is mostly in the bones of the spine, arms, and legs.

Sickle cell crises can last from hours to days. You need medical treatment when you are having a sickle cell crisis. Staying hydrated can help prevent a sickle cell crisis.