Medical Conditions

Sickle cell Anemia

Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders that is present from birth. Healthy red blood cells are round and move easily through small blood vessels to carry oxygen throughout the body. However, in someone who has sickle cell disease, the red blood cells become hard and sticky, and have a C-shape, like a farmer’s sickle. The sickle cells die early, which causes a constant shortage of red blood cells called anemia. When sickle cells travel through small blood vessels, they get stuck and clog the blood flow. This can cause pain and other serious problems, such as infection, lung-related complications, and stroke.

Managing Sickle Cell Disease:

Get Routine check-ups

Sickle cell disease is a complex disease. Good quality medical care from doctors and nurses who know a lot about the disease can help prevent some serious problems. Often the best choice is a hematologist (a doctor who specializes in blood diseases) working with a team of specialists.

Regular health checkups with a primary care doctor can help prevent some serious problems.

Children and adults from 2 years of age or older should see a doctor at least once every year.

Prevent Infections

Common illnesses, like the flu, can quickly become dangerous for a child with sickle cell disease. The best defense is to take simple steps to help prevent infections.

Learn Healthy Habits – Drink Enough Water!

People with sickle cell disease should drink 8 to 10 glasses of water every day and eat healthy food. Try not to get too hot, too cold, or too tired.
Children can, and should, participate in physical activity to help stay healthy. However, it’s important that they don’t overdo it, rest when tired, and drink plenty of water.

Go to an emergency room or urgent care facility right away for:

Fever above 101° F
Difficulty breathing
Chest pain
Abdominal (belly) swelling
Severe headache
Sudden weakness or loss of feeling and movement
Seizure
Painful erection of the penis that lasts more than 4 hours

Call a doctor right away for:

Pain anywhere in the body that will not go away with treatment at home
Any sudden problem with vision

Links to more information:

https://www.choa.org/medical-services/cancer-and-blood-disorders/blood-disorders/sickle-cell-disease
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/facts.html

References

https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/sicklecell/healthyliving-emer-guide.html