What is Sickle Cell Disease?
By: Mark MonteiroTotal Views: 241, Word Count: 614,
Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anaemia is categorised as blood related disorder where in the red blood cells are affected. In normal cases regular red blood cells contain haemoglobin A. In abnormal cases where the red blood cells contain haemoglobin S or C, the red blood cells are forced to squeeze into the shape which resembles a sickle.
When the cells are formed as a sickle the passage of red blood cells becomes extremely difficult through blood vessels. Sickle cells are known to minimize the blood flow to body parts and also block thin blood vessels. People who are affected by sickle cell are known to be effected throughout their lives, since sickle cell disease is a life long disease.
Causes of sickle cell disease-
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder. Sickle cell disease or sickle cell anaemia is passed down in the genes. An infective parent would surely pass on the gene to his/her children especially if he inherits two defective genes from both his parents.
Chances of sickle cell disease are low in cases where the child inherits only one defective gene from one parent and a healthy gene from the other parent. In such cases where one defective gene is inherited, the new born can be referred to as sickle cell trait, where he/she carries a sick or infected gene and can transfer the same infected gene in future to his children.
Symptoms/ indications of sickle cell disease-
- Constant pain in the hands, back, feet and other parts in the body
- Anaemia is a common sign in sickle cell patients
- Fatigue and inactiveness
- Yellowish and pale skin tone
- Feeling of suction in different parts of the body such as hands and feet
- High intensity pain during nights
- Sickle cell disease causes periodic and painful attacks.
Patients with sickle disease have a weak immune system and are also known to suffer from health complications such as strokes. Usually people who suffer from sickle cell disease have a short life span.
Treatments available for sickle cell disease-
- Ensure you have a balanced diet
- The treatment for sickle cell disease is a life long process. This disease cannot be cured within days or weeks. One has to minimize the symptoms of sickle cell disease to lead a normal life and cope with the disorder.
- The pains in the body have to be controlled with prescribed pain killers and various other medications.
- Blood transfusions at regular intervals can also help in the treatment for sickle cell disease and bring relief for the patients. Blood transfusions help in reducing the strokes and new blood in the body can help in prolonging the lifespan. Though blood transfusions are helpful, continuous blood transfusions may increase the toxic elements in the blood.
With continual treatment along with monitoring one can keep the symptoms of sickle cell disease at bay. With effective treatment one can prolong ones life expectancy rate. For sickle cell disease it is imperative to seek medical help and guidance.
About the Author
Dr. Mark Monteiro is graduated from the Hazard University and done his MBA from the he University Of Illinois College Of Medicine. Currently he is working as general physician at Elmhurst Loyola Center for Health. For over 15 years he has been a pioneer in the field of physician health. He has contributed to the treatment of many diseases like- ASTHMA, TUBERCULOSIS, HIV, HEPATITIS AND ITS TREATMENT.
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