Almost anything can trigger a pain crisis, what is usually referred to as Vasoclusive Crisis.

1. Malaria: Infection with malaria parasite is the most common cause in Nigeria. Who hasn’t experienced it? The pain starts before the fever, or the fever precedes the pain.

Daily paludrine tablets, regular use of insecticide, wearing protective clothing, using insect screens for windows and doors and topical application of mosquito repellant are helpful in preventing malaria. But once the fever or pain start, it’s advisable to take antimalarials promptly. Please, see your doctor then.

Besides malaria, other triggers of pain crisis in people living with sickle cell include:

2. Any sort of infection – from common cold to urinary tract infections.
3. Physical exertion/stress, including sexual intercourse.
4. Dehydration from reduced water/fluid intake, diarrhea, excessive sweating, taking alcohol without taking lots of water etc.
5. Cold conditions/environments.
6. Emotional Stress, anxiety, depression.
7. Reduced oxygen intake from smoking, smoky/polluted environments, high altitudes, chest pain/injury making breathing difficult.
8. Anything that results in increased breakdown of red blood cells, e.g. infections, some drugs etc.
9. Menstruation, just before or during menses.
10. Pregnancy.
11. Unexplained causes too. Crisis just happens and you can’t seem to identify a cause.