sickle cells can block blood flow, and that’s actually one of the main problems in Sickle Cell Disease. Red blood cells become crescent (sickle)-shaped. They turn stiff and sticky. They clump together. Get stuck in small blood vessels. Slow down or completely block circulation. Reduce oxygen supply to tissues.
It can lead to: Severe pain episodes (common symptom) Organ damage (kidneys, lungs, brain) Stroke