SICKLE CELL ANEMIA
Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
NOTE: There's a cure for pple wt Sickle cell anemia called stem cell transplant.
Sickle cell anemia is one of a group of inherited disorders known as sickle cell disease. It affects the shape of red blood cells, which carry oxygen to all parts of the body.
NOTE: There's a cure for pple wt Sickle cell anemia called stem cell transplant.
People have been cured. It is expensive and have high failure rates if not done well
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6- 7 months of age. They vary from person to person and may change over time. Signs and symptoms can include: ๐
SYMPTOMS
Signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia usually appear around 6- 7 months of age. They vary from person to person and may change over time. Signs and symptoms can include: ๐
1. Anemia: Sickle cells break apart easily and die. Red blood cells usually live for about 120 days before they need to be replaced. But sickle cells typically die in 10 to 20 days, leaving a shortage of red blood cells (anemia). Without enough red blood cells, the body can't
get enough oxygen and this causes fatigue.
2. Swelling of hands and feet. The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands and feet.
3. Frequent infections. Sickle cells can damage the spleen, increasing vulnerability to
2. Swelling of hands and feet. The swelling is caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells blocking blood circulation in the hands and feet.
3. Frequent infections. Sickle cells can damage the spleen, increasing vulnerability to
infections. Infants and children with sickle cell anemia commonly receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent potentially life-threatening infections, such as pneumonia.
4. Vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells
4. Vision problems. Tiny blood vessels that supply the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells
This can damage the retina(the portion of the eye that processes visual images ) and lead to vision problems.
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
See your Doctor right away if you or your child has symptoms of sickle cell anemia.
Because children with sickle cell
WHEN DO YOU NEED TO SEE A DOCTOR?
See your Doctor right away if you or your child has symptoms of sickle cell anemia.
Because children with sickle cell
anemia are prone to infections, which often start with a fever and can be life-threatening, seek prompt medical attention for a fever greater than 101.5 F (38.5 C).
CAUSES:๐๐
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make the iron-rich
CAUSES:๐๐
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a change in the gene that tells the body to make the iron-rich
compound in red blood cells called hemoglobin. Hemoglobin enables red blood cells to carry oxygen from the lungs throughout the body. The hemoglobin associated with sickle cell anemia causes red blood cells to become rigid, sticky and misshapen.
For a child to be affected, both
For a child to be affected, both
mother and father must carry one copy of the sickle cell gene( also known as sickle cell trait) and pass both copies of the altered form to the child.
If only one parent passes the sickle cell gene to the child, that child will have the sickle cell trait.
If only one parent passes the sickle cell gene to the child, that child will have the sickle cell trait.
With one typical hemoglobin gene and one altered form of d gene, people with d sickle cell trait make both typical hemoglobin & sickle cell hemoglobin.
Their blood might contain some sickle cells, but they generally don't have symptoms. They're carriers of the disease, however,
Their blood might contain some sickle cells, but they generally don't have symptoms. They're carriers of the disease, however,
which means they can pass the gene to their children.
RISK FACTORS
For a baby to be born with sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry a sickle cell gene. In d European countries, sickle cell anemia most commonly affects people of African majorly, middle Eastern descent.
RISK FACTORS
For a baby to be born with sickle cell anemia, both parents must carry a sickle cell gene. In d European countries, sickle cell anemia most commonly affects people of African majorly, middle Eastern descent.
COMPLICATIONS
Sickle cell anemia can lead to a host of complications, including:
1. Acute chest syndrome
2. Stroke
3. Organ damage
4. Blindness
5. Leg ulcers
6. Priapism( painful and long lasting erections)
7. Pregnancy complications
PREVENTION:
Sickle cell anemia can lead to a host of complications, including:
1. Acute chest syndrome
2. Stroke
3. Organ damage
4. Blindness
5. Leg ulcers
6. Priapism( painful and long lasting erections)
7. Pregnancy complications
PREVENTION:
If you carry the sickle cell trait, seeing a genetic counselor before trying to conceive can help you understand your risk of having a child with sickle cell anemia. A genetic counselor can also explain possible treatments, preventive measures and reproductive options
Follow me @damilare_jamal For more health tips, I treat sexual and other health related issues.
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