Sickle Cell Anemia. About 80,000 or more Americans have sickle cell anemia, the most severe form of a hereditary blood disease. This disorder, which is often present at birth, causes abnormal hemoglobin production.
Sickle cells are part of the hemoglobin molecule and are responsible for the red, orange, and brown shades of blood. When the cells within the body to produce too many cells with the trait, the cells begin to grow in size and can spread in the body.
Because of this trait, this disease can lead to stunted growth and a shortened healthy life span. If left untreated, it can cause damage to the skin, digestive system, blood vessels, and organs.
Individuals that suffer from sickle cells often have problems with hemoglobin binding to their red blood cells
This process results in low red blood cell counts, which can result in anemia. Because the body cannot use these cells effectively, the cells can not be transported throughout the body as well, resulting in weak, tired feeling, lack of energy, and an inability to fight infection.
There are many causes of this disease, but usually, people who are genetically prone to it develop the disease.
Other factors that can cause sickle cells include:
- A person who has a history of sickle cells may have developed chronic illness because of this trait. The condition itself can also affect a person's ability to carry out daily activities, causing problems with muscle strength, memory, and emotional health. Even though this disease doesn't have a definite cure, it can still be controlled through medication and treatments that are available.
- If you have a family member with sickle cells, there is no need to be alarmed. However, if you do have a family history of this disorder, you should visit a doctor to get checked out. It is important to note that while there are several medications that can help control sickle cells, none of them are permanent cures.
- Because of this, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating sickle cell anemia. Your doctor will discuss your options with you and advise you on which treatment plan is best for you and your specific case.
There are several types of medical treatments that can be used to treat this disease
Depending on what type of anemia you have, your doctor may suggest a medical procedure such as a blood transfusion or a stem cell transplant to replace the lost blood cells.
Blood Transfusions: Blood transfusions are a common approach to dealing with sickle cell anemia. This procedure involves the transfer of the red blood cells of patients with sickle cell disease into the bloodstreams of healthy people. Once in the bloodstream, the cells are replaced by normal cells.
Stem Cells: People with sickle cell anemia often receive transplants to replace the hemoglobin in their blood. These are created by taking the nucleus of a person's cancerous cells and implanting it into their own bone marrow.
Bone Marrow Transplants: This procedure is similar to that of the blood transfusions. The marrow of healthy people is harvested from the bone marrow of healthy people and placed in the sickle cell patient's bone marrow. Once in the bone marrow, the patient receives an injection of donor bone marrow from another person.
If you suffer from sickle cell disease and your doctor recommends surgery to treat your symptoms, you may be given a course of antibiotics to relieve the pain, numbness, bruising, swelling, and weakness associated with the disease. Surgery may also be performed to repair the organ damage and remove the affected cells.
For some people, the most effective surgical treatment of sickle cell anemia is a transplant procedure. If you have this condition and need a transplant, your doctor may suggest a transplant from a person with similar diseases. Your doctor will evaluate your medical history and physical characteristics before recommending a suitable candidate for a transplant.
The transplant requires the recipient to have an acceptable bone density, good health, and enough healthy bone marrow to create a healthy graft. Most patients will have a high chance of success if they are willing to accept a new donor bone marrow.
Donating a bone marrow may help sickle cell anemia patients live a long and healthy life. However, if you have a genetic predisposition to the disease, you should consult your doctor before donating.