Understanding Sickle Trait
What is Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle Cell Trait (SCT) occurs when a person inherits one sickle cell gene and one normal gene. This is different from Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), which happens when a person inherits two sickle cell genes (one from each parent).
People with SCT do not develop sickle cell disease. Most live healthy, normal lives. However, the trait is not completely harmless and can sometimes affect health under certain conditions.
How Do You Get Sickle Cell Trait?
Sickle cell trait is inherited. If one parent carries the sickle cell gene and the other parent does not, there is a chance their child will be born with the trait.
- If one parent has SCT and the other parent has normal hemoglobin, each child has a 50% chance of having SCT.
- If both parents have Sickle Cell Trait, each child has a 25% chance of having Sickle Cell Disease, a 50% chance of having SCT, and a 25% chance of not carrying the gene at all.
Health Implications of Sickle Cell Trait
Most people with SCT never experience health problems, but certain situations can trigger complications.
Potential health issues include:
- Exercise-related risks: Rarely, intense physical exertion (especially in hot or high-altitude environments) can cause dehydration and low oxygen levels, leading to muscle breakdown (rhabdomyolysis), collapse, or even sudden death. Rhabdomyolysis can affect people without sickle cell trait. Prevent this problem by drinking more water and avoid extreme heat. Build up to intense exercise with a gradual conditioning plan.
- Blood in the urine (hematuria): Some people with SCT may notice blood in their urine at times. Blood in the urine should be checked out by a doctor but do inform the doctor that you have sickle cell trait.
- Kidney problems: SCT can sometimes increase the risk for certain kidney disorders later in life.
- Pregnancy complications: People with SCT may have a slightly higher risk of complications like blood clots or urinary tract infections. Drinking more water can help prevent these problems.
- Splenic infarction: At high altitudes, low oxygen levels can cause temporary damage to the spleen. Prevent this problem by drinking more water. Build up to intense exercise with a gradual conditioning plan.
Why Testing Matters
Because SCT usually causes no symptoms, many people don’t know they have it. A simple blood test can confirm whether you carry the trait. Knowing your SCT status is important for:
- Family planning – to understand the chances of passing on SCT or SCD to children.
- Sports and physical activity – so you can take precautions during intense exercise.
- Healthcare decisions – so your providers can consider SCT when evaluating symptoms like blood in the urine or unexplained pain.
Living with Sickle Cell Trait
If you have SCT, you can live a long, healthy life. Steps you can take to protect yourself include:
- Stay well-hydrated, especially during exercise or hot weather.
- Take breaks and avoid overexertion during intense physical activity.
- Be cautious at high altitudes where oxygen levels are lower.
- Share your SCT status with your healthcare providers.
- If pregnant, let your doctor know you carry the trait.
You’re Not Alone
Having Sickle Cell Trait does not mean you have sickle cell disease, but it’s still important to understand your health risks. If you have SCT, regular checkups and informed lifestyle choices can help keep you healthy.
If you ever feel unwell, experience unusual symptoms, or have questions about your SCT status, talk with your doctor or a sickle cell specialist.
A person of any race or nationality can have sickle cell trait, but it is more common in people who are Black or African American.
If you are unsure or do not know your Sickle Cell Trait status, talk to your primary care provider to ask about screening.
For more information on Sickle Cell Trait, visit the Centers for Disease Control resources here.
