“Sickle-cell anemia” Sickle-cell anemia is an inherited disease, in which the red blood cells become crescent shaped. As a result it functions abnormally, and causes small blood clots. Sickle-cell anemia is caused by a genetic, or defective gene that produces an abnormal form of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin distorts red blood cells after they release oxygen in the tissue. Someone who inherits hemoglobin from one parent, and normal hemoglobin from the other parent will receive the trait if the hemoglobin is abnormal from the other parent, then there is a high risk that the child being born will have the sickle-cell anemia disease.
The sickle-cell anemia disease can cause severe damage to the kidneys, lungs, bones, eyes, and central nervous system. The sickle shape makes it difficult for these cells to pass through tiny blood vessels, resulting in intensely painful blockages that prevent vital oxygen, and nutrients in the blood from reaching organs and tissues, impairing their function. Sickle-cell patients may experience brain damage such as a stroke. Sickle-cells also break apart more readily than healthy red blood cells, leading to a deficiency of red blood cells known as anemia.
Symptoms of the sickle-cell disease usually occur after 4-6 months of age frequent, and severe infections may start to occur. Damage to some of the major organs may occur as a symptom. You may experience severe pain in the back, chest, abdomen and extremities. Some other symptoms that may occur, is pain and swelling in the hands and feet, and enlargement of the abdomen and heart.
Another symptom that can occur is extreme blood lost when cutting, or scraping yourself. Your body doesn’t easily stop the blood from running out your body, as it would without the disease. The sickle cells don’t clog up the cut as good as regular blood cells. As a result of having the sickle-cell anemia disease, or trait many things in life can be affected. When both parents are carriers of the trait they should be cautious on having a child. Parents have a one in four chance with every pregnancy that their child will have the disease.
It’s a genetic disease meaning your child will either receive the disease or trait. Your child may also have problems breathing if he or she receives the disease. Preventing the disease is a challenge, because most parents want their child to carry their traits. Parents should receive genetic counseling if they both carry the trait.
Prenatal diagnosis of is also available. Treatment of infections adequate oxygenation, and preventing dehydration. It also may prevent sick ling of the blood cells. Antibiotics and vaccinations may prevent infections also. General health visits with a physician are recommended to ensure the patient is getting adequate nutrition, and maintaining proper activity levels and receiving proper Vaccinations. Regular blood transfusions is something good to do too.
Treat anemia by replenishing red blood cells, and other complications such as strokes. Bone marrow transplantation cures sickle cell anemia in a small number of children who are able to find an acceptable, related bone marrow donor.