A person with sickle cell anemia who has symptoms of acute chest syndrome requires treatment immediately.

Symptoms of acute chest syndrome in those with sickle cell anemia include:

• Severe chest pain
• Fever
• Cough
• Difficulty breathing
• Rapid breathing rate

Age	Upper Normal	Abnormal
6mo - 1 year	40 breaths per min	60 breaths per min
1 - 3 years	30 breaths per min	50 breaths per min
4 - 5 years	28 breaths per min	45 breaths per min
5 - 6 years	26 breaths per min	40 breaths per min
6 - 12 years	24 breaths per min	30 breaths per min
Over 12 years	20 breaths per min	25+ breaths per min