Sickle Cell Disease, also known as Sickle Cell Anemia is a red blood cells disorder where the shape isn't circle like a normal cell.
Someone with SCD has different red blood cells shape. It has a C shape like sickle, hence the name. These cells die early, in which causes shortage of red blood cells (Sickle Cell Anemia). They also can cause blood flow clogging because they get stuck (Sickle Cell Crisis).
● Symptoms ●
- Anemia
Sickle Cells die easily, and without enough red blood cells, your body can't get enough oxygen. - Periodic Pain
Also called Pain Crises, it happens when sickle cells block blood flow into your joints, abdomen, bones and chest. - Infections
Our spleen can get damaged from sickle cells. This leaves us vulnerable to infections - Vision Problems
Retina can also get damaged if the tiny blood vessels get plugged by sickle cells - Delayed Growth or Puberty
Slow growth can happen when a shortage of healthy red blood cells occurred. The reason is that red blood cells carry the oxygen and nutrients around our body.
● Complications ●
- Stroke
The cells can block a blood flow into brain area. - Priapism
The Sickle cells can block the blood vessels in the penis, which can lead to impotence over time. - Acute Chest Syndrome
This life-threatening condition happens when sickle blood cells are blocking blood vessels in lung area - Pulmonary Hypertension
Usually affects adults. People with sickle cell anemia can develop high blood pressure in their lungs.
● Treatment ●
Usually, the treatment options are different for each person. The reason is symptoms and complications of SCD are different for each individual. The symptoms of the disease itself usually starts showing during age 5 months.
The cure for SCD is stem cell transplant or bone marrow, a soft tissue inside the center of the bones where blood cells are made. The doctor will take the healthy cells from the donor and puts them into the patient. However, the bone marrow must be a close match. For this, usually the best donor is the patient's sibling.
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