US Medical Term · conditions
Sickle Cell Disease
Enfermedad de células falciformes
Also: Anemia de células falciformes (regional variant)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Sickle Cell Disease |
| Spanish (Español) | Enfermedad de células falciformes |
| Chinese (中文) | 鐮刀型紅血球疾病 |
| Korean (한국어) | 겸상적혈구병 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Bệnh hồng cầu hình liềm |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Sickle Cell Disease |
| Portuguese (Português) | Doença falciforme |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | โรคเม็ดเลือดแดงรูปเคียว |
| Japanese (日本語) | 鎌状赤血球症 |
What it means
Sickle cell disease is an inherited blood disorder in which red blood cells form an abnormal crescent or sickle shape instead of the normal round shape. These misshapen cells become rigid, sticky, and prone to breaking apart. They can block small blood vessels, causing severe pain episodes called crises, organ damage, and anemia. The disease primarily affects people of African, Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and South Asian descent. Symptoms begin in early childhood and include pain episodes, frequent infections, delayed growth, and vision problems. Treatment includes medications to manage pain, prevent complications, and in some cases bone marrow transplant or gene therapy.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I have sickle cell disease and am having a pain crisis that started this morning.
Tengo enfermedad de células falciformes y estoy teniendo una crisis de dolor que comenzó esta mañana.
I need a referral to a hematologist who specializes in sickle cell disease management.
Necesito una derivación a un hematólogo especializado en el manejo de la enfermedad de células falciformes.
Does my plan cover the newer medication approved for sickle cell disease?
¿Mi plan cubre el medicamento más reciente aprobado para la enfermedad de células falciformes?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
D57 Sickle-cell disordersRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026