Around 2 million Americans and one in 12 African Americans are affected by sickle cell anemia, according to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute. Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disease that affects the body's blood cells. Normal red blood cells are round and look like hole-less doughnuts. They contain hemoglobin, which is a protein that carries oxygen throughout the body. Sickle cells have an abnormal type of hemoglobin that is unable to carry the proper amount of oxygen to the cells. This causes anemia, which is the lack of oxygen rich blood to the tissues of the body. In sickle cell anemia, the red blood cells become misshapen and stick together. This causes the cells to get stuck in blood vessels, which can cause infections or serious damage in the organs.
Cause
Sickle cell anemia has a genetic cause. One gene is inherited from each parent and when both are present, sickle cell anemia can result. If only one gene from one parent is inherited, sickle cells are not present. However, that person is then a carrier of the sickle cell trait. If they decide to reproduce with another person with the trait, their children are at high risk for having sickle cell anemia.
Symptoms
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia vary from person to person. The symptoms may begin to show at birth or within the few months after birth. Symptoms include fatigue, or tiredness, dizziness, headache, pale skin, shortness of breath, and chest pain. Other symptoms include joint, bone, lungs and abdomen pain. Some pain may be associated with a more serious condition caused by oxygen deprivation in tissues. This is caused from stuck together blood cells which are unable to carry oxygen to the tissues so it is always advisable to discuss the possibility of this condition with a medical professional.
Diagnosis
All new babies in America are tested for sickle cell anemia at birth. This is one example of the seriousness of the condition and how important early detection is for the treatment of the disease. A simple blood test will determine which type of hemoglobin is present in the cells which will show evidence of sickle cells.
Complications
According to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, infections are a serious complication in those with sickle cell anemia. Common infections in children with this condition include meningitis, influenza and hepatitis, and pneumonia is the leading cause of death. Another complication is eye damage due to potential damage to eye blood vessels. Strokes are another complication caused by potential clots from blood cells sticking together. Other complications include acute chest syndrome, leg ulcers, and gallbladder problems. Routine scans and check-ups are needed to prevent these complications.
Treatment
Although there is no cure for sickle cell anemia, the symptoms can be treated. Anemia can be treated by having routine blood transfusions which will provide adequately oxygenated blood. Any pain associated with sickle cell anemia is treated with common over the counter medicines such as aspirin or acetaminophen. Infections are treated with antibiotics such as penicillin and routine vaccinations need to be followed. Treating any of the serious complications such as eye damage and ulcers require more intensive medical attention so check-ups, continuous screening and prevention is very important.
