Abstract
Sickle cell anemia is a disease in which the body produces abnormal red blood cells such as a crescent or sickle.
Sickle cell disease is hereditary, not contagious.
There is a difference between sickle cell anemia and iron deficiency anemia (anemia).
Sickle cell anemia affects millions around the world.
Normal red blood cells live 120 days but sickle cells last only 10 to 20 days.
It can be detected by blood tests.
There is no definitive treatment, but there are medications that can relieve pain and help prevent problems associated with this disease.
an introduction
The body produces natural red blood cells that are flexible and round, and move easily through blood vessels. In sickle cell anemia, red blood cells become rigid and sticky and form like a sickle or crescent moons.
These irregular cells can get stuck in small blood vessels, which can slow or block blood and oxygen flow to parts of the body. Red blood cells live for 120 days before the body needs to be replaced but sickle cells usually die within 10 to 20. Days, leaving red blood cells deficient (anemia).
Sickle cell anemia is a genetic type, that is, it is transmitted by genes from parents to their children, that is, it is not contagious and the person cannot catch it (such as a cold or infection) from another person.
the reasons
An imbalance in the gene responsible for the formation of hemoglobin in the body, which changes the shape of red blood cells to become inflexible and sticky.
Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of sickle cell anemia, which vary from person to person and change over time, include:
Pale complexion.
Fatigue and tiredness.
Severe pain.
Vision problems.
Painful swelling of the feet and hands.
Chronic pain attacks
Growth retardation.
Repeated bacterial infection.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is made by a doctor after studying the symptoms and history of adults and children, and performing blood tests to check hemoglobin. If the patient has the disease, the doctor may suggest additional tests to check for possible complications.
Risk factors
Both mother and father are pregnant.
Both the mother and the father are infected.
One is infected and the other is pregnant.
Complications
Sickle cell anemia can lead to a group of complications, including
brain attack.
Acute chest syndrome that causes chest pain, fever, and difficulty breathing.
High blood pressure in the lungs (pulmonary hypertension).
Organ damage, including kidneys, liver and spleen.
blindness.
Leg ulcers.
Gallstones.
Impotence.
treatment
There is no definitive treatment, but there are medications that help prevent problems associated with this disease such as:
Pain relievers.
Folic acid supplements to strengthen healthy blood cells.
Vaccination and antibiotics to prevent infection.
In severe cases, the patient may need a blood transfusion or surgery.
protection
Commitment to conduct a comprehensive medical examination before marriage helps reduce the transmission of sickle cell anemia between generations.
If you are a carrier of the disease, you should see a genetic counselor before making a reproductive decision.
If you have sickle cell anemia, you should
Increase fluid and a healthy diet.
Do not expose to very cold or heat.
Avoid high places like planes and others.
Make sure to provide enough oxygen during sports and when in the mountainous areas.
common questions
1. What is the difference between sickle cell anemia and iron deficiency anemia (anemia)?
Sickle cell anemia is the breakdown of red blood cells, while in anemia, red blood cells are healthy, but their number is less than normal.
2. Is there a difference between a carrier and an infected person?
Yes, the sickle cell disease carrier is due to the inheritance of one copy of the gene that causes the disease from a parent. As for those with sickle cell disease, it is the result of inheriting the gene from both parents.
3. Can a person develop from a carrier of sickle cell disease to an infected person?
No, a person cannot develop from a carrier to an infected person, but for those with sickle cell disease they can pass the gene to their children.
4. What precautions should a person who is sick with taking exercise take?
They should take into account the same precautions that can prevent injuries and illnesses associated with exercise, including taking into account heat and humidity, drinking enough fluids, resting as needed, and not exceeding the current level of physical fitness.
wrong concepts
There is a definitive treatment for sickle cell anemia.
There is no however, research is being done on bone marrow transplantation, gene therapy and new medicines for sickle cell anemia.
Sickle cell anemia patient is recommended to use iron supplements.
Iron supplements should not be used to treat sickle cell anemia without consulting a doctor, as it may cause harm.
There is an immunization to prevent sickle cell anemia.
No, because it is transmitted by the parents'' genes.
Every person who is sick with sickle cell anemia refuses to marry due to the risk of transmission of the disease to children.
It is possible for a pregnant woman to marry a healthy person (not pregnant with the disease) and have healthy children.
