Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic abnormality and results in misshapen red blood cells caused by abnormal hemoglobin. Instead of being circular, the cells take on a crescent shape which elongates them and prevents them from being able to move normally through the body's tiniest blood vessels which can lead to anemia, organ damage, cellular breakdown, bone marrow disorders, and considerable pain. While it isn't possible to prevent the incidence of this genetic condition, sickle cell disease prevention is largely designed to prevent crises and associated symptoms from occurring.
In order for someone to inherit this disease, both parents must have the disorder or carry the hemoglobin-S gene. If a person has this genotype, he or she may pass it on to any offspring. It is most prevalent amongst those of African or Mediterranean descent, but it is also found the Caribbean, Middle East, and Central and South America. Genetic counseling is advisable for these people before they have children.
Certain conditions increase the sickling of red blood cells including low blood volume, dehydration, elevated body acidity, low oxygen, injury, and anesthesia. A "crisis" occurs when the deformed cells begin to block the fine network of vessels that carry blood to the bones. Pain is typically felt in the back, legs, arms, chest, or stomach and it may last for hours or even days. If pain relievers don't help, one must seek treatment at a hospital.
Due to the genetic nature of this illness, it cannot be prevented, but healthcare providers can provide patients with continuous care to reduce the incidence of crises and manifestation of symptoms. When a crisis does happen, usually it is the result of compound factors, but patients can take steps to reduce this occurrence including exercising moderately, staying hydrated, reducing stress, not smoking, drinking little or no alcohol, treating infections in a timely manner, and maintaining normal body temperature.
The more the red blood cells maintain their round shape, the less likely symptoms will arise. It is important that patients do their part to make this happen including not placing oneself in situations with reduced oxygen levels such as high altitude locations or intense exercise, avoiding extreme temperatures, and drinking sufficient liquids. Doctors sometimes prescribe the drug hydroxyurea to control symptoms as well.
Additional measures that may be helpful include taking a folic acide supplement, which stimulates production of new red blood cells, and prompt use of antibiotics for any bacterial infections that may occur. Blood transfusions are given to some patients as a preventative step against incidence of stroke.
In cases where the condition has progressed further, it may be necessary to take more extreme action. This may mean dialysis or a kidney transplant, removal of the gallbladder if stones are present, hip replacement to correct avascular necrosis, eye surgery, and treatment of leg ulcers.
Patients who are fortunate enough to find a compatible bone marrow or stem cell donor may be eligible for a transplant, however it is usually very difficult to find a suitable match. It is also important for these patients to ensure that they receive the Hib, PCV, and PPV vaccines tot lower the risk of infection.
In order for someone to inherit this disease, both parents must have the disorder or carry the hemoglobin-S gene. If a person has this genotype, he or she may pass it on to any offspring. It is most prevalent amongst those of African or Mediterranean descent, but it is also found the Caribbean, Middle East, and Central and South America. Genetic counseling is advisable for these people before they have children.
Certain conditions increase the sickling of red blood cells including low blood volume, dehydration, elevated body acidity, low oxygen, injury, and anesthesia. A "crisis" occurs when the deformed cells begin to block the fine network of vessels that carry blood to the bones. Pain is typically felt in the back, legs, arms, chest, or stomach and it may last for hours or even days. If pain relievers don't help, one must seek treatment at a hospital.
Due to the genetic nature of this illness, it cannot be prevented, but healthcare providers can provide patients with continuous care to reduce the incidence of crises and manifestation of symptoms. When a crisis does happen, usually it is the result of compound factors, but patients can take steps to reduce this occurrence including exercising moderately, staying hydrated, reducing stress, not smoking, drinking little or no alcohol, treating infections in a timely manner, and maintaining normal body temperature.
The more the red blood cells maintain their round shape, the less likely symptoms will arise. It is important that patients do their part to make this happen including not placing oneself in situations with reduced oxygen levels such as high altitude locations or intense exercise, avoiding extreme temperatures, and drinking sufficient liquids. Doctors sometimes prescribe the drug hydroxyurea to control symptoms as well.
Additional measures that may be helpful include taking a folic acide supplement, which stimulates production of new red blood cells, and prompt use of antibiotics for any bacterial infections that may occur. Blood transfusions are given to some patients as a preventative step against incidence of stroke.
In cases where the condition has progressed further, it may be necessary to take more extreme action. This may mean dialysis or a kidney transplant, removal of the gallbladder if stones are present, hip replacement to correct avascular necrosis, eye surgery, and treatment of leg ulcers.
Patients who are fortunate enough to find a compatible bone marrow or stem cell donor may be eligible for a transplant, however it is usually very difficult to find a suitable match. It is also important for these patients to ensure that they receive the Hib, PCV, and PPV vaccines tot lower the risk of infection.
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