Acute chest syndrome is one of the most serious complications of sickle cell disease.

It's also sadly one of the leading causes of death in SCD.

But when recognised early it can be treated before it becomes life threatening.

The question is, would you know how to recognise it if it happened to you or your child?

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What is acute chest syndrome?

Acute chest syndrome is sometimes called a chest crisis. It takes place within the lungs and results in three main symptoms:

1. Chest pain
2. Fever
3. Breathlessness.

These are the triple threat of Acute Chest Syndrome. They should each raise concern individually, but when they occur together?... Acute Chest Syndrome is surefire.

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Why does acute chest syndrome happen?

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Your lungs contain millions of tiny blood vessels which allow oxygen from the air you breathe to enter your bloodstream.

Just like sickled red blood cells can block blood vessels in your bones and joints, they can also block blood vessels in your lungs.

This can cause inflammation and damage to the lungs, making it harder for oxygen to enter your bloodstream. Chest infections can have the same effect.

The problem is that when oxygen levels drop, more red blood cells can sickle, causing further blockages and lung damage.

This creates a vicious cycle which can rapidly become life-threatening.

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What are the warning signs?

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There are four important symptoms to look out for:

• Chest pain: Any new pain around your chest, particularly during a sickle cell crisis.
• Breathlessness: Feeling unusually short of breath or finding it difficult to breathe.
• A new or worsening cough: This could indicate a chest infection, which can trigger acute chest syndrome.
• Fever: A temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above requires urgent medical advice in someone with sickle cell disease.

You don't need to experience all four symptoms to have acute chest syndrome.

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How is acute chest syndrome treated?

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Doctors will check your oxygen levels, arrange blood tests and usually perform a chest X-ray to look for changes in your lungs.

Treatment usually involves antibiotics to treat possible infections and supplemental oxygen if your oxygen levels are low.

Some patients may also require a blood transfusion, either a simple transfusion or an exchange transfusion. The transfused normal red blood cells help deliver more oxygen where its needed and reduce the proportion of sickled red blood cells.

In severe cases, patients may need intensive care and a ventilator to help them breathe.

That's a summary of what you must know about Acute Chest Syndrome or 'Chest Crisis' as referred to by some warriors.

I know in many cases sickle cell warriors may be reluctant to seek medical attention when in pain crisis due to poor past experiences.

But acute chest syndrome is a medical emergency, and delaying treatment can be life-threatening.

If you experience new chest pain, breathlessness or other symptoms that suggest acute chest syndrome, seek emergency hospital assessment. Don't wait till it gets worse.

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Stay Healthy,

Lewis