Frequently asked question: How are pain and other symptoms treated?

A gradual onset of pain due to a sickle cell crisis is something you can treat yourself by drinking lots of fluids and taking painkillers; paracetamol (sometimes with codeine), possibly alternated with diclofenac. Staying warm, resting, and even a massage will also help.
If the pain or other symptoms do not lessen, you should go to the hospital to have fluids administered intravenously and for extra pain relief. You may also need fever treatment or extra oxygen or antibiotics.

It is important that you take painkillers regularly, at fixed times (as prescribed by your doctor), so as to ensure steady effective levels of the medicine in your blood. If you both take paracetamol and an NSAIDs, make sure you alternate them. When you need pain medication, it is very important to, together with your doctor, make a clear schedule of when to take which medication.

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Treatment of sickle cell disease; prevention, treatment, and support

Frequently asked question: How are pain and other symptoms treated?

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