I understand Sickle Cell Disease seems scary; but, I am here to help explain and break it down.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Anemia is the most common form of this disease. You get Sickle Cell Anemia from parents when both of them have the trait, or one has the disease, and the other carries the trait. Sickle Cell Trait is a genetic condition that is carried in your genes from birth.
There are many different types of sickle cell anemia, and they alter depending on your parent's genetics (genes). When you are a child, you get a test called ¨New Born Screening¨ where doctors check to see any diseases. During this test, they can see if you have Sickle Cell Disease or Trait. If you inherit the Sickle Cell Trait from your parents, you will feel no pain, sickness, or side effects. The trait means that you can pass it down to your children and be aware of the inherent risks. However, if you inherit the disease, you will experience all the symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease.
Symptoms:
I understand Sickle Cell Disease seems scary; but, I am here to help explain and break it down.
What is Sickle Cell Disease?
Sickle Cell Anemia is the most common form of this disease. You get Sickle Cell Anemia from parents when both of them have the trait, or one has the disease, and the other carries the trait. Sickle Cell Trait is a genetic condition that is carried in your genes from birth.
There are many different types of sickle cell anemia, and they alter depending on your parent's genetics (genes). When you are a child, you get a test called ¨New Born Screening¨ where doctors check to see any diseases. During this test, they can see if you have Sickle Cell Disease or Trait. If you inherit the Sickle Cell Trait from your parents, you will feel no pain, sickness, or side effects. The trait means that you can pass it down to your children and be aware of the inherent risks. However, if you inherit the disease, you will experience all the symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease.
Symptoms:
- Pain in many parts of the body.
- Cold, stress, illness, or not drinking water can cause pain.
- Pain can last for days, hours, or even longer.
- Paleness
- Tiredness
- Dizziness
- Sometimes pain can be helped at home, but if it gets severe, then hospital care is needed.
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How is one tested for Sickle Cell?
After babies are born, they receive a test called newborn screening, which is a blood test. This test will confirm the diagnosis of diseases like Sickle Cell and others. If this test is not given, adults can get blood tests at most clinics, hospitals, or SCD departments.
How is it treated?
There is only one known cure for Sickle Cell Disease. This treatment is called stem cell transplants or bone marrow transplants.
A few examples of these are:
What are the side effects of SCD?
After babies are born, they receive a test called newborn screening, which is a blood test. This test will confirm the diagnosis of diseases like Sickle Cell and others. If this test is not given, adults can get blood tests at most clinics, hospitals, or SCD departments.
How is it treated?
There is only one known cure for Sickle Cell Disease. This treatment is called stem cell transplants or bone marrow transplants.
A few examples of these are:
- Stem cell transplants or bone marrow transplants can be complex and risky but are the only know option for some patients.
- Immunizations and daily doses of penicillin help prevent infections.
- Folic Acid Supplements help kids create new red blood cells.
- Medicines are used to help manage pain.
What are the side effects of SCD?
- Severe Chronic Pain
- High risk of stroke
- Organ Damage
- Early Death