Exertional Sickling occurs in athletes carrying the sickle cell trait. When the red blood cells change shape or “sickle” it causes a buildup of red blood cells in small blood vessels leading to decreased blood flow. This drop in blood flow leads to a breakdown of muscle tissue and cell death known as fulminant rhabdomyolysis.
Signs and Symptoms of Exertional Sickling:
Cramping Muscle Weakness > Muscle Pain
Fatigue
Slumps to Ground
Muscles Look and Feel Normal
Rapid Breathing
Core (Rectal) Temperature <102oF
What to do in the event of this emergency?
Check and monitor vitals.
Monitor for shock, responsiveness, tachycardia (fast heart rate) that begins to evolve into bradycardia (slow heart rate).
If available, give supplemental oxygen at 15 L/min by non-breather mask.
Cool athlete, if necessary.
Failing immediate improvement, call 911 and attach an AED. Be ready to start CPR, if needed.
Transport athlete.