Learn the key differences between sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease, how they are inherited and why your child needs specialized care.

Published: August 28, 2025 | Updated: August 29, 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Many parents fear the worst when they hear “sickle cell,” wondering whether their child will face lifelong health concerns. However, understanding the difference between sickle cell trait versus sickle cell disease is an important distinction when it comes to managing your child’s health.

“Parents should know that sickle cell trait is not the same thing as sickle cell disease,” said Erica G. Mamauag, M.D., pediatric hematologist/oncologist with Norton Children’s Cancer Institute. “Children with sickle cell trait will not develop sickle cell disease, yet it’s important to understand how the condition still can be passed down to future generations.”

What are sickle cells?

Normal red blood cells are round and flexible, moving easily through blood vessels to carry oxygen throughout the body. On the other hand, sickle cells are crescent or “sickle” shaped and become sticky and rigid.

Due to being misshapen, sickle cells can block blood flow, causing pain and, potentially, organ damage. Their shape comes from abnormal hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Sickle cells are caused by genetics, which means they develop because of an inherited gene mutation. As a result, sickle cell disease is present from birth and does not develop later in life. It is a lifelong condition that can be managed with proper health care.

Understanding sickle cell trait versus sickle cell disease

Sickle cell trait

Sickle cell trait occurs when a person inherits one normal hemoglobin gene and one sickle cell gene.

People with sickle cell trait:

• Are carriers but do not have sickle cell disease
• Can live normal, healthy lives without symptoms
• Have enough normal hemoglobin to prevent sickling under normal circumstances
• Rarely, may experience complications only under extreme conditions (severe dehydration, high altitude, intense physical exertion)
• Can pass the gene to their children but are not sick themselves

Sickle cell disease

Sickle cell disease occurs when someone inherits two sickle cell genes, one from each parent, or one sickle cell gene and one beta-thalassemia gene.

Sickle cell disease results in:

• Red blood cells that regularly become sickle-shaped and sticky
• Blocked blood flow causing pain episodes and organ damage
• A chronic condition requiring ongoing medical care
  
  

How are sickle cell conditions diagnosed?

All newborns in the United States are screened for sickle cell conditions after birth using a standard blood test. This screening can detect both sickle cell trait and sickle cell disease.

For couples planning pregnancy, genetic testing is available if partners carry the trait or have the condition. For pregnant patients, prenatal testing options are available.

How do people get sickle cell disease?

Sickle cell disease is inherited, which means you must receive a sickle cell gene from both parents or a sickle cell gene from one parent and a beta thalassemia gene from the other to have the disease.

The inheritance patterns are as follows:

• If both parents have sickle cell trait or beta thalassemia trait: 25% chance the child has disease, 50% chance the child has sickle cell trait, 25% chance the child has normal hemoglobin.
• If one parent has trait and one has normal hemoglobin: 50% chance the child has sickle cell trait, 50% chance has normal hemoglobin
• If one parent has sickle cell disease: Their children will inherit the trait, even if the other parent does not have sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease.
  
  

Genetic risk factors

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), African Americans are at significantly higher risk of sickle cell disease, compared with other ethnicities. In the U.S., up to 10% of African Americans have the sickle cell trait.

Key statistics from the CDC:

• 1 in 365 African American babies is born with sickle cell disease.
• 1 in 13 African American babies is born with sickle cell trait.
• About 3 million Americans have sickle cell trait.
  
  

Globally, the disease is more commonly diagnosed among people of sub-Saharan African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, South Asian and Southern European descent.

Managing symptoms of sickle cell disease

Access to proper health care can improve health outcomes for children with sickle cell disease.

Sickle cell disease symptoms can include:

• Pain episodes (crises)
• Fatigue and anemia
• Severe infections
• Delayed growth
• Vision issues
  
  

Management involves preventing complications through regular medical care, vaccinations, medications and, in more severe cases, blood transfusions or bone marrow transplants.

What parents need to know about sickle cell conditions

If a child is diagnosed with sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease, there are several things parents must know about their child’s health condition.

If your child has sickle cell trait:

• Your child is still healthy and likely can participate in normal activities. (Always check with your child’s health care provider first.)
• No medical treatment is needed for sickle cell disease.
• Be sure to ensure good hydration during physical activity.
• Understand that genetic counseling may be helpful for future family planning.
• The trait will not develop into sickle cell disease.
  
  

If your child has sickle cell disease:

• Early treatment significantly improves outcomes.
• Establish care with a pediatric hematologist.
• Stay current with vaccinations due to the child having a weakened immune system.
• Learn to recognize signs of pain crises and other complications.
• Connect with support resources and other families.
• Know that people with sickle cell disease can live full, productive lives with proper care.
  
  

Supporting patients with Norton Children’s Sickle Cell Disease Program

Norton Children’s Sickle Cell Disease Program provides specialized care for children with sickle cell conditions.

Our multidisciplinary team includes pediatric hematologists, nurses, social workers and other specialists who coordinate care to help prevent health complications and manage your child’s symptoms. Services include emergency care protocols, routine monitoring, pain management, family education and psychosocial support.

The Norton Children’s Sickle Cell Disease Program helps families navigate the complexities of sickle cell disease to achieve the best possible outcomes for young patients through inpatient and outpatient services.

Whether your child has sickle cell trait or sickle cell disease, adequate knowledge and proper medical care are necessary for managing your family’s health — now and for generations to come.