Sickle cell anemia converts your round-shaped blood cells into a sickle shape. These blood cells are caused due to genes inherited from your parents. Since the formation of red blood cells is reduced, they can't carry oxygen to different organs in the body. These sickle cells can be pretty rigid and sticky. Though it is an inherited condition, we will help you know about the causes, symptoms, and treatments available for this condition. We will also explain how this condition can develop further complications and how we can prevent it.
Sickle cells can break apart and can quickly die. Red blood cells can usually live for about 120 days and can leave a shortage of red blood cells. These can be related to the loss of blood.
Period pain with sickle cell anemia can be extreme and can be caused by pain crises, which can be sickle cell symptoms. Pain develops when sickle cell is formed in the groin or abdomen. The pain can vary, resulting in bone or joint damage and ulcers.
These swellings can be caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells and can be related to the blockage of blood circulation in feet and arms.Also Read: Diabetes Swollen Feet: Causes And Treatments
Sickle cells can make the body vulnerable to infections, and even common conditions can be life-threatening.
Tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells, which can damage the retina and cause vision problems.Also Read: Blurring Vision in One Eye - Causes And Treatments To Consider
Causes of Sickle Cell Anemia-
- Sickle cell anemia might be caused by the change of the genes in the body and can make the iron-rich compound in the red blood cells like hemoglobin.
- These hemoglobin compounds can enable the red blood cells that carry air from the lungs and heart to the body. They can be associated with the red blood cells becoming rigid, sticky, or misshapen.
- If the parent passes the sickle cell gene to their children, they may or may not develop the condition. One typical hemoglobin gene can be altered from the gene to the sickle cell type or from making both the hemoglobulin sickle cell.
- There is no way of finding the symptoms before developing the condition. But parents can be carriers of the disease.
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia-
The symptoms of sickle cell anemia can usually appear at the age of 6 months, but these can vary from person to person and can include-1. Anaemia:
Sickle cells can break apart and can quickly die. Red blood cells can usually live for about 120 days and can leave a shortage of red blood cells. These can be related to the loss of blood.2. Pain:
Period pain with sickle cell anemia can be extreme and can be caused by pain crises, which can be sickle cell symptoms. Pain develops when sickle cell is formed in the groin or abdomen. The pain can vary, resulting in bone or joint damage and ulcers.3. Swelling in the hands and feet:
These swellings can be caused by sickle-shaped red blood cells and can be related to the blockage of blood circulation in feet and arms.Also Read: Diabetes Swollen Feet: Causes And Treatments4. Infections:
Sickle cells can make the body vulnerable to infections, and even common conditions can be life-threatening.5. Vision problems:
Tiny blood vessels that supply blood to the eyes can become plugged with sickle cells, which can damage the retina and cause vision problems.Also Read: Blurring Vision in One Eye - Causes And Treatments To ConsiderTreatment of Sickle Cell Anemia-
Treatments that will help improve the condition are,- The symptoms of this type of anemia can be relieved after taking medications and preventing any infections.
- Blood transfusions and stem cell transplants can also be viable options for treating this disease.
- Also, when a person has sickle cell disease, they will not be prompted too soon to deal with the condition, and they may be prescribed the appropriate dosage of medications.
1. Medications for sickle cell anemia-
Some popular medications for the anemia of sickle cell can include,- Hydre: Hydroxyurea can help ensure oxygen supply to the body and can be safely administered during pregnancy.
- L-glutamine: This is an oral drug and is consumed in the form of a powder. These can reduce the number of sickle cells and can be suitable from the age of 5.
- Crizanlizumba (TMCA): This can help reduce pain in the blood vessels.
2. Prevention of infection -
Preventing infections can help adults and children reduce the risk of this disease. Some of the tips that can help the spread of infections are-- Regularly washing hands
- Following good food practices
- Staying away from reptiles
- Receiving vaccination for flu and pneumococcal disease.
- Penicillin and other antibiotics can also be helpful in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.
3. Blood transfusion and stem transplant-
- Blood transfusion can be helpful in cases of severe infections with enlarged spleen and conditions or other complications.
- A stem cell transplant uses cell traits and cannot give them blood, but healthcare professionals encourage anyone who can donate stem cells. This can help people with severe cases of anemia.
What are some problems that can be associated with sickle cell anemia?
The number of issues that can be caused due to the development of a condition like the anemia of sickle cell can be-1. Stroke: The sickle cells can cause seizures and numbness in the arms and legs.2. Acute chest condition: It can be a lung infection that can block blood vessels in the lungs and can be life-threatening.3. Pulmonary hypertension: This disease can develop as the pressure in the lungs is reduced. It can be companied by shortness of breath and fatigue.4. Organ damage: This disease can deprive the organs of necessary oxygen, resulting in a lack of oxygen, ultimately leading to liver damage.5. Splenic sequestration: Itcan be due to the trapping of sickle cells in the spleen.Other Problems: Blindness, leg ulcers, gallstones, deep vein thrombosis, and pregnancy complications can also be developed as a by-product of this condition.Also Read: Early Warning Signs of a SeizureHow to Prevent Sickle Cell Anemia?
If you carry sickle cell traits, the only way to prevent this condition from being passed on to the kids is to see a counselor who can help suggest possible treatment, measures, and reproduction options to prevent anemia of sickle cell condition in the offspring.Book an online appointment with the Best Anemia Doctors in IndiaAlso Read: Surprising Health Benefits of Donating BloodConclusion -
Sickle cell anemia is a condition of blood loss related to converting round red blood cells to crescent or moon-shaped red blood cells. This condition is genetic and inherited from the parents. These sickle cells can create a lot of trouble for you as they are sticky and rigid. They can block central blood capillaries and develop difficult life-threatening situations; thus, it will be best to get the treatments and follow the preventive methods before reaching this situation in case of Sickle Cell Anemia.Also Read: Bone Marrow Transplant For Sickle Cell DiseaseFrequently Asked Questions
How is sickle cell anemia diagnosed?
Genetical conditions like this disease are a type of sickle-like cell disease diagnosed by a genetic test. That can also tell whether you have two or more sickle cell hemoglobin gene copies.
What are some symptoms of sickle cell anemia?
The sickle cells do not move or bend and can move quickly and block blood flow to the rest of the body. These blocked blood vessels can lead to severe problems, including stroked and eye problems and infections, and episodes of pain or pain cry.
What are the treatments for sickle cell anemia?
Treating sickle cell anemia involves pain-relieving medications like hydroxyurea and other medicines like oxvryta and Endari.
What is the best cure for sickle cells?
Bone marrow transplants are the best cure for sickle cell disease, but they are not often used because they have significant risks associated with or involved with stem cell transplants.
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