Sickle Cell Anaemia

What is Sickle Cell Anaemia

Sickle cell Anaema is caused by a group of genetic disorders caused by sickle hemoglobin. In many forms of the disease, the red blood cells change shape upon deoxygenation. The hemoglobin proteins stick to each other, causing the cell to get a rigid surface and sickle shape. This process damages the red blood cell membrane, and can cause the cells to become stuck in blood vessels. This deprives the downstream tissues of oxygen and causes ischemia and infarction, which may cause organ damage, such as stroke. The disease is chronic and lifelong. Individuals are most often well, but their lives are punctuated by periodic painful attacks. Life-expectancy is shortened, but contemporary survival data is lacking. Older studies indicated that sufferers could live to an average of 40 to 50 years, with the average age for males being 42 and the average age for females being 48.

What are the Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anaemia

Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia can have symptoms that vary in severity. Among the most common symptoms are:

• Joint pain, pain in the abdomen, or along the arms and legs.
• Fatigue, jaundice, and rapid heartbeat.
• Recurring infections.
• Delayed growth and development.
• A painful persistent erection.

This disease is inherited and is quite common in African countries. To develop sickle cell anaemia, a person must inherit two sickle cell genes.

What are the Causes of Sickle Cell Anaemia

This disease is genetic.

It is vital that this disease be diagnosed and treated early. A blood test can identify people with the trait or the disease. Couples can be tested before conception.

Traditional Medical Treatments for Sickle Cell Anaemia

At present, no cure exists but people with the disease can learn to control the symptoms.

If your child has sickle Cell Anaemia, it is important to guard them from infections, which can lead to dangerous complications. In addition to standard immunisations, your child should also receive vaccines for influenza and pneumococcus.

Ask your doctor about all the preventative steps you can take to help your child.

Complementaty/Alternative Treatments for Sickle Cell Anaemia

This disease must be handled by a conventional medical doctor. However there may be benefits in investigating the alternative therapies as well.