Traditional GK

Introduction

“Sickle Cell anaemia,” referred to as a genetic disorder of blood can be characterised by irregular haemoglobin, causing red blood cells to assume a rigid and crescent shape. It is significant that it inhabits the potential of haemoglobin in “red blood cells” for carrying oxygen. Sickle cells tend to stick together, block the “small blood vessels” and cause “damaging and painful complications.” It is important to note that the red blood cells are normal haemoglobins and are disk-shaped, smooth and flexible without any holes like doughnuts. However, due to sickle cell anaemia, these red blood cells usually lose their oxygen and take the form of a crescent or C-shaped blood vessels. Normal “red blood cells usually live around 120 days, however, the sickle cells only live for about 10 to 20 days.” The sickle cells also “damage the spleen” and put a great risk for individuals who can get infected easily. This deformation usually leads to less oxygen-carrying potential resulting in chronic anaemia and several complications that lead to increased susceptibility towards organ damage.

What Causes Sickle Cell Anaemia?

Sickle Cell anaemia can be referred to as an “inherited disease” which is caused by a deformation in a gene.

1. Typically, sickle cell disease patients are given two genes, one from their mother and the other from either parent.
2. Inheritance genes are typically associated with healthy individuals who carry them.
3. The patient of sickle cell ailment has a higher risk of bearing a child with sickle cell disease as there is a chance that the child may also suffer from the same ailment.

Risk Attributes of Sickle-Cell Disease

1. “Sickle Cell disease” is usually caused by the mutation of genes, and several risk attributes can impact its complications and severity.
2. One of the most fundamental risk attributes is inheriting abnormal genes of haemoglobin, one from each parent during conception.
3. It is significant to know that ethnic and geographical attributes play a major role as sickle Cell disease is quite prevalent in populations with a higher frequency of mutation of genes such as individuals living in South Asian countries, the Middle East and Africa.
4. Various environmental circumstances including low levels of oxygen extreme temperatures and dehydration also trigger sickle cells.

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease

Anaemia is one of the main symptoms of sickle cell disease due to sickle cells are often destroyed and the body has fewer red blood cells, leading to anaemia.The occurrence of acute chest syndrome is also linked to sickle cell disease.This is quite dangerous as it can take away human lives.It often takes place abruptly when the body is stressed by fever, dehydration, or infection.Sickle cells act as a barrier for oxygen to enter the small blood vessels of the lungs.

 Severe cough and fever are also accompanied by pneumonia.

How can the disease be diagnosed?

1. A complete medical history is required along with a physical examination for the proper diagnosis of the disease.
2. In numerous states, sickle cell disease screening is routinely performed on infants to expedite treatment. The risk of complications can be reduced by early diagnosis and treatment.
3. A blood test named haemoglobin electrophoresis helps in determining whether the individual is suffering from Sickle cell disease or not.

Eradication Policies of Sickle Cell Disease

Early detection and prevention of issues is critical for the treatment of sickle cell disease.

 Preventing organ damage, stroke prevention and treating symptoms, as well as preventing infection are the objectives of treatment.A few painkillers are required to lower the risk of sickle cell disease.Blood transfusions also help treat anaemia and prevent strokes.Preventing and relieving pain can be achieved by drinking a sufficient amount of water. Hydroxyurea is a medication that facilitates minimising “the frequency of pain crises and acute chest syndrome.” It also helps in reducing the requirement for blood transfusion. The implications of medication or unknown in the long run. Moreover, a bone marrow transplant is an effective treatment of Sickle cell disease. The decision to have this treatment is associated to the acuteness of the ailment and the potential to recognise n appropriate donor of bone marrow.

FAQ

What is sickle cell trait?

If an individual has Sickle Cell trade the person has inherited the gene for Sickle Cell disease. If someone has Sickle filtrate and the partner has the cultural trade, they usually reproduce a child suffering from the same disease.

What type of medical challenges faced by the sickle cell patients?

The blockage of the flow of blood is mainly caused by sickled cells that usually lead to several complications like infection, tissue damage of the lungs, chronic pain, kidney disease, blindness and stroke.

How long does an individual suffering from sickle cell disease live?

The life expectancy in America as per the studies has improved since children are now monitored regarding the disease. Life expectancy has now increased to 40 years of age.