What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is an inherited disorder that affects the red blood cells. It is a type of hemoglobinopathy, meaning it affects the hemoglobin inside the red blood cells. Normally, healthy red blood cells are round shaped and look like doughnuts. As a result of this disease, red blood cells become shaped like crescent moons, which are called sickled cells. They are also stiff and sticky, and they can get stuck in small blood vessels. This leads to a lack of oxygen in certain parts of the body, called sickle cell crisis.
What Causes Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle cell disease is caused by a mutation in the gene that codes for the production of hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is the molecule inside the red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. In people with sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin has a different shape which causes the red blood cells to change shape, as well as become stiff and sticky. The mutated gene can be passed down from parent to child, and in some cases, a person may be born with the disease if both parents carry the gene.
What Are the Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease?
The most common symptom of sickle cell disease is a painful condition known as a sickle cell crisis. People with sickle cell disease can experience sudden and extreme pain as a result of the sickled cells blocking small blood vessels. Other symptoms include fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, headaches, and fever. People with the disease may also experience anemia, which is a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells.
How is Sickle Cell Disease Diagnosed?
Sickle cell disease is usually diagnosed through a blood test. This test looks for abnormal hemoglobin in the red blood cells. In some cases, a genetic test may be performed to confirm the diagnosis. In addition to the blood test, other tests such as a urine test or imaging tests may be done to assess the severity of the disease.
What Are the Treatments for Sickle Cell Disease?
Treatment for sickle cell disease usually involves managing the symptoms, preventing complications, and reducing the risk of infection. Pain medications may be prescribed to help with the pain of a sickle cell crisis. In some cases, blood transfusions may be necessary to reduce the number of sickled cells and replace them with healthy red blood cells. Other treatments may include antibiotics to prevent infections and hydroxyurea, a drug that can reduce the number of sickled cells.
Are There Complications From Sickle Cell Disease?
The most common complication of sickle cell disease is organ damage due to a lack of oxygen in certain parts of the body. Other complications include an increased risk of stroke, heart disease, gallstones, and infections. People with the disease are also at an increased risk of developing complications during pregnancy.
Can Sickle Cell Disease be Prevented?
Unfortunately, there is no way to prevent sickle cell disease. However, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of complications. These include getting regular medical checkups, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, eating a healthy diet, and getting vaccinated against certain infections.
What Should I Do If I Suspect I Have Sickle Cell Disease?
If you suspect that you or someone you know has sickle cell disease, the first step is to see a doctor. A blood test can be done to determine if the person has the disease. If the test is positive, further tests may be done to assess the severity of the disease. It is important to follow the doctor's advice and treatment plan in order to manage the symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.
Conclusion
Sickle cell disease is a serious, inherited condition that can cause severe pain and other complications. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of the disease, as well as the treatments available. With proper medical care, people with the disease can manage their symptoms and reduce the risk of complications.