Eating During Sickle Cell Acute Pain Crisis

Management Priorities During Acute Pain Crisis

• The American College of Cardiology recommends that acute pain crises be managed with prompt medical attention, pain control, hydration, and monitoring for complications such as acute chest syndrome 1, 2, 3

Nutritional Considerations During Pain Crisis

• Maintaining oral intake helps support overall hydration status, which is critical since sickle cell patients have impaired urinary concentrating ability and become dehydrated easily 4, 2
• The American College of Cardiology suggests that there are no evidence-based recommendations to restrict food intake during pain crises, and patients should be encouraged to maintain adequate oral fluid and nutritional intake as tolerated 2

Important Clinical Considerations

• If a patient is severely ill or at risk for acute chest syndrome, clinical judgment regarding NPO status may be warranted, particularly if respiratory status is compromised, as recommended by the American College of Cardiology 3, 2
• For patients receiving opioid analgesics, maintaining adequate fiber intake and hydration can be beneficial to prevent constipation, a common side effect 4

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• The American College of Cardiology advises against assuming patients should be NPO during pain crises without specific clinical indications, and overlooking the importance of nutrition in supporting overall recovery 2