User:Shahila/Sandbox

Sickle cell anemia

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited disorder of the haemoglobin in blood.The abnormal haemoglobin causes sickled red blood cells. These red blood cells are fragile and prone to rupture. The irregular cells can also block blood vessels causing tissue and organ damage and pain. Sickle cell anemia is inherited as an autosomal recessive condition. It is mostly seen in Africans and African-Americans. For sickle cell anemia to occur, a sickle cell gene must be inherited from both the mother and father so that the child has two sickle cell genes. If the child has only on sickle gene, then it is called trait or carrier. Sickle cell trait does not cause Sickle cell anemia. The red blood cells become abnormal in shape and diminished flexibility. The conditions in which low oxygen level, increased acidity, low volume of he blood will promote the RBC for sickling.

Symptoms

Fatigue and anemia, pain crisis, swelling and inflammation of the hand and feet, arthritis, eye damage, lung and heart injury, pneumococcal bacterial infection, leg ulcers, aseptic necrosis. In infants, the symptoms will start by five months of age.

Treatment

There is no single remedy to reverse the anemia. In general, treatment is directed at the management and prevention of the acute manifestation as well as therapies directed towards blocking the RBC from stacking together. The affected individuals and their family members are aware of an optimal understanding of the illness and the communication with the doctor and medical personnel be maintained.