Sickle cell anemia is one of the most common inherited diseases among African Americans. It is estimated that one in every six hundred African American births will result in a child with sickle cell anemia. Sickle cell anemia can also affect those of Hispanic-American descent. It is estimated that one in every 1,000 Hispanic-American births will produce a child with sickle cell anemia.
Currently there is no cure for sickle cell anemia. The symptoms are managed through medications and blood transfusions. On occasions, symptoms of this disease will become so severe that it requires hospitalization.
To understand why this disease is called sickle cell anemia you must first understand a little more about red blood cells and their purpose. Red blood cells in a normal person are round and very flexible. These blood cells are full of oxygen and are pumped through the entire body to carry oxygen to cells and tissues.
The red blood cells in a person with sickle cell anemia are shaped like sickles or crescent moons. These oddly shaped cells are rigid and have a hard time fitting through the narrow openings in small blood vessels. These sickle cells are also somewhat sticky and will stick to other blood cells which can cause a blockage of certain blood vessels. When a blood vessel becomes blocked, it can cause severe pain in the organ or limb that the blood vessel supplies.
Red blood cells are produced by the bone marrow of the body. Normal red blood cells will live for about 120 days after they leave the bone marrow. However, in a person with sickle cell disease the misshaped red blood cells only live for about twenty days. This makes if very difficult for the bone marrow to produce enough blood cells to replenish the dying ones. This lack of red blood cells will result in chronic anemia.
Sickle cell anemia can cause life threatening conditions such as a stroke or organ damage. Both conditions can be fatal. Another condition that can be devastating is acute chest syndrome which is basically an infection that becomes trapped in your lungs and requires aggressive emergency treatment with antibiotics and blood transfusions.
The only hope for a cure for someone with sickle cell anemia is a bone marrow transplant. The problem is most people are unable to find a suitable donor for a transplant.
For those who suffer from sickle cell anemia prevention is the key to prevent crises. Eating a balanced diet and taking a folic acid supplement daily can help support the bone marrow and aid in new red blood cell formation. It is important that you drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. This can reduce the chance of sickle cell formation. Try to avoid extreme temperatures and avoid stress because these can trigger sickle cell formation.
The prognosis of sickle cell anemia is that it can be managed with the right prevention and the right treatment during crises. However more research is needed to find a cure for sickle cell anemia.
RESOURCES
National Heart Lung and Blood Institute: What is Sickle Cell Anemia
KidsHealth.org: Sickle Cell Anemia
Genomics: Genetic Disease Profile: Sickle Cell Anemia