Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder known as sickle cell disease (SCD). This disease affects the shape of the red blood cells that are responsible for carrying oxygen to every part of the body. In sickle cell anemia, some of the red blood cells are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. But while the red blood cells are usually round and flexible, these sickle cells are rigid and sticky, thereby slowing down the flow of blood.
What Are Some Symptoms of Sickle Cell?
Pain Crisis: Pain crisis is a major symptom of sickle cell anemia and it arises when sickle-shaped red blood cells restrict the flow of blood through the tiny blood vessels to the chest, abdomen, and joints.
Anemia: Usually, red blood cells live for around 120 days before requiring replacement, but not sickle-shaped cells. These cells break apart easily and die typically around 10-20 days which results in a shortage of red blood cells, a condition called Anemia.
Priapism: When red blood cells sickle and stick together, it results in a blockage of these tiny blood vessels. This blockage restricts blood from flowing out of the penis causing prolonged erection, a condition called Priapism.
Swelling Of Hands and Feet: When red blood cells sickle and stick, it stops the circulation of blood in the hands and feet.
Frequent Urination: Sickle cell disease can result in overactive bladder (OAB), nocturnal enuresis, and incontinence in both children and adults.
Splenic Sequestration (pooling): When sickled cells block the blood vessels that lead to the spleen, blood remains and gathers in the spleen without flowing out. This ends up enlarging the spleen and results in a spleen crisis.
Vision Problems: The blood vessels that supply the eyes are tiny and can get plugged with sickle cells. This may eventually damage the retina and lead to impaired vision.
Pulmonary Hypertension: Patients with sickle cell disease often experience pulmonary hypertension frequently which is also associated with the high mortality rate.
What Are Some Causes of Sickle Cell?
Genetic: Sickle cell is an inherited disease which is caused by genetic defects. A person is born with sickle cell disease when two genes are inherited, one from the mother and the other from the father. A person who inherits one gene is healthy and is said to be a carrier of the disease.
What is the Risk Factor for Sickle Cell?
When you have a family history of SCD, you have a high risk for the disease.
What are Common Complications of Sickle Cell?
a) Stroke
b) Acute Chest pain
c) Organ damage
d) Blindness
e) Deep vein thrombosis
How is Sickle Cell Diagnosed?
Sickle cell can be diagnosed using:
• Hemoglobin electrophoresis
• Genetic test
• Blood test
What are conventional treatment for Sickle Cell?
Sickle cell can be treated using the following means:
1) Pain medication
2) Drinking plenty of water daily
3) Blood transfusion
4) Intake of folic acid
5) Hydroxyurea
6) Bone marrow transplant
Self-Care Tips:
Important Supplements in Sickle Cell
Folate is a type of B vitamin that helps prevent anemia. It is helpful in treating sickle cell disease because it helps to make and restore red blood cells. People with SCD have red blood cells that break down faster than an average person, and folate helps to replace red blood cells. People with SCD should also consider supplementation with B vitamins food sources. B vitamins include 8 water‐soluble vitamins that play inter‐related roles in cellular functioning. These include thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, pyridoxine, biotin, folate and cobalamin. Other supplements would include:
• Fish oil: reduce the frequency of severe pain episodes
• Selenium: more than 93 of people with SCD are selenium deficient
• Folate/folic acid; 1 milligram (mg) of folic acid with the aim of reducing symptoms
• Vitamin D3
• L-glutamine; tend to have fewer pain crises and hospital visits
• Copper 2 mg; help prevent cell damage
• Zinc 100 mg; help prevent cell damage
• Magnesium
Fluid Restoration
Staying hydrated is one of the most important things someone with SCD can do. This can prevent vaso-occlusive crises, pain crises, strokes and infections associated with SCD. Exacerbation of symptoms is sometimes termed "sickle cell crisis" or acute painful crisis. Drinking 8 to 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day can help with controlling this condition. Remember that “crisis” can be caused by excessive stress, underlying/low grade infections, or even vigorous exercise.
Considerations that can help prevent or reduce sickle cell pain.
1. Reduce Stress & Get Enough Rest; 7–9 hours per night.
2. Eating a healthy diet; unprocessed foods.
3. Daily physical activity; gentle or moderate rather than vigorous.
4. Drinking enough water 8 to 10 glasses.
5. Psychosocial support.
6. Meditation practice, yoga, breathing exercises, acupuncture, or massage therapy.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The contents of this website are based upon the views of Dr. Walker and his experience. This product is not intended as medical advice nor to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is likewise not to replace the advice of a qualified health care provider. The information provided herein is intended as a sharing of general knowledge only and is not intended to be, nor is it, medical advice or a substitute for medical advice. That being said, please consult your healthcare provider before using supplements or providing supplements to children under the age of 18. If you have or suspect you have, a specific medical condition or disease, please consult your healthcare provider.
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