Acute Chest Syndrome is a common complication of Sickle Cell and all its branches. It doesn't have one distinct cause and can happen: during/after a crisis, after an infection, a reduction of blood flow to the lungs, or from heavy doses of opiates. Acute Chest Syndrome is fast moving and needs to be caught immediately. While in the hospital us SSS(Sickle Cell Strong) often are attached to the machine to monitor our oxygen level, doctors/nurses check our lungs frequently and at my hospital you are given a chest X-ray no matter what to see if they can detect ACS. Also, I am always given an Incentive Spirometer to ensure i am opening up my lungs and taking deep breathes. They tell you to do it on commercial breaks. I used to hate it when I was young but now I know its absolutely necessary. Fever, Chest Pain, Coughing and Shortness of breath are all signs of ACS.
Personally I always got ACS during a long stay in the hospital when I was heavily medicated, sleeping majority of the day and not taking deep enough breathes. It would hurt so much when I took a breath, a very sharp pain on the sides of my chest. I never really had the cough associated with it, I think because they always caught mine so early on.
ACS is treated with oxygen 24/7, antibiotics and I was also treated with albuterol treatments. Once I had to get a blood transfusion as well, this is also a common treatment of ACS.
Acute Chest is also VERY prevalent during the colder months, so it is vital for those SSS to seek medical attention at any sign of Acute Chest. If not treated quickly it can be fatal.
Be Strong,
Morgan
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