Topic > Sickle cell anemia

Index IntroductionHistory of sickle cell anemiaSigns and symptoms of sickle cell anemiaA strokePriapismTreatmentEpidemiologyIntroductionSickle cell anemia is hereditary, cures are difficult to discover. By the time a person is diagnosed with the disease it is too late, the damage has already been done. The complicated task at hand required even more in-depth research described in this article. The ideal post-test solution has the potential to relieve pain and bring oxygen levels back to a healthy level. Scientists have had little success using genetic expertise to obtain the appropriate copies of the Beta Globin gene in people with sickle cell disease. If they do well in this effort, people with the disease could be cured. Unfortunately, they will continue to pass on the sickle cell genes to their children. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay I chose sickle cell disease because two of my close relatives died from this disease. Every year, during the holidays and their birthdays, I feel sad that they are no longer here. This runs in my family, which has educated me to undergo sickle cell screening every year to detect any signs of this disease.History of Sickle Cell AnemiaThis terrible disease that affects many people of African American descent, sickle cell anemia is Hereditary, to inherit the disease, both parents of a child must have sickle cell trait. When both parents have the trait. They have a 1 in 4 chance of having a child with sickle cell disease. Description of Sickle Cell Anemia Sickle cell anemia is an inherited form of anemia, a condition in which there are not enough healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen throughout the body. Where blood cells change from a healthy round shape to a long, pointy shape that is stiff and sticky like a banana. When unhealthy blood cells pass through the veins, the sickle shape causes pain and low oxygen levels, making basic activities difficult. That can slow or block oxygen in some parts of the body. Once the body recognizes unhealthy red blood cells as abnormal, it destroys them faster than usual causing anemia. Signs and Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia Painful crises are one of the main symptoms of sickle cell anemia and can vary from person to person and change over time. While sickle cells are abnormal and the body destroys them quickly. Red blood cells are flexible and last 120 days. Wherea's body destroys the stiff, sticky sickle cells in 10 to 20 days. Sickle cell anemia is a red blood cell disorder that can affect the entire body. Without enough red blood cells, the body can't get the oxygen it needs to feel energized, causing fatigue. Pain A painful crisis can be caused by illness, temperature changes, stress, dehydration. The pain comes when sickle red blood cells become trapped in blood vessels, preventing blood from flowing to an area of ​​the chest, abdomen and joints. This results in a lack of oxygen in this area and episodes of pain begin. The pain varies and can last from a few hours to a few weeks. Infections People with sickle cell disease are at high risk of getting an infection, a fever may be the first sign of an infection. Sickle cells can damage an infection-fighting organ, the spleen, leaving the body vulnerable to infection. People with sickle cell disease should get vaccinated and take antibiotics to potentially prevent infectionslethal. Sickle cell anemia can lead to a number of complications, including: Delayed growth: Red blood cells provide the body with oxygen and nutrients needed for growth. A stroke can occur if sickle cells block blood flow to an area of ​​the brain. Acute chest syndrome: Causes chest pain, fever and difficulty breathing. Acute chest syndrome can be caused by a lung infection or by sickle cells blocking blood vessels in the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension: People with sickle cell disease may develop high blood pressure. Organ damage:Sickle cells that block blood flow through the vessels immediately deprive the affected organ of blood and oxygen. Blindness: Sickle cell cells can block small blood vessels in the eyes. Leg ulcers: Sickle cell disease can cause open sores on the legs. Gallstones: The breakdown of red blood cells produces a substance called bilirubin. A high level of bilirubin in the body can lead to the formation of gallstones. Priapism Men with sickle cell disease may have painful, long-lasting erections, a condition called priapism. Diagnosis People who don't know whether they carry an abnormal hemoglobin gene can ask their doctor for a blood test. Couples who are planning to have children and know they are at risk of having a child with sickle cell disease should consult a genetics doctor. Prenatal tests can be performed as early as 8-10 weeks of pregnancy. Sampling of amniotic fluid from the mother's womb. The tissue is taken from the placenta of the organ that connects the umbilical cord to the womb. This type of test looks for the sickle hemoglobin gene instead of abnormal hemoglobin. Treatment Children born with sickle cell anemia should consult a hematologist. The first visit for sickle cell disease should occur before 8 weeks of age; Also consult with sickle cell treatment providers regularly. To prevent problems by taking medicines, getting vaccinated, having tests, learning about the disease so they know what to watch out for to prevent infections. In sickle cell anemia, the spleen does not work properly or at all. This problem makes people with sickle cell disease more vulnerable to infections. Penicillin is started soon after diagnosis, usually before 2 months of age. Taking penicillin twice daily up to age 5 has been shown to reduce the risk of serious bacterial infections. Blood transfusions may be used to treat specific complications of sickle cell disease such as severe acute chest syndrome anemia, a pulmonary complication. Bone marrow transplant is the only cure for sickle cell disease. To be successful with this treatment you must have a compatible sibling to donate stem cells to. Bone marrow is a soft, fatty tissue within the center of bones where blood cells are made. A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is a procedure that takes healthy donor cells from a person and puts them into someone whose bone marrow is not functioning properly. Bone marrow transplants are very risky and can have serious side effects, including death. Bone marrow or stem cell transplants are used only in severe cases of sickle cell disease for children who have organ damage from the disease. If you or your child has sickle cell anemia, you should learn as much as you can about the disease to maintain good health. lifestyle. Take time to rest and drink plenty of fluids. Take your medicines as prescribed.