Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a disease affecting millions of people throughout the world, mostly found in sub-Saharan Africa.

World Sickle Cell Day is a day set aside yearly to constantly increase public knowledge and understanding of SCD. As part of the awareness, people are educated on the challenges experienced by patients, families, and caregivers.

WHAT IS SICKLE CELL DISEASE?

Sickle Cell Disease is a group of inherited red blood cell disorders. Healthy red blood cells are typically round, and they move through small blood vessels carrying oxygen to all parts of the body. In an SCD patient, the red blood cells become hard and sticky, taking the form of a C-shaped farm tool called a “sickle”.

SCD patients are known to experience a constant shortage of red blood cells, this is because the red blood cells die early. These cells when traveling through small blood vessels tend to get stuck and clog the blood flow, which leads to serious pains and problems such as infection, acute chest syndrome, and stroke. This period is often called a “CRISIS”.

Types of Sickle Cell Diseases

Generally called SS, what most people do not know is that SCD varies from person to person. Responsible for this variation is a body protein known as Haemoglobin, a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

  1. HAEMOGLOBIN SS DISEASE:  the most common type of sickle cell disease, which occurs when you inherit copies of the hemoglobin S gene from both parents. This forms the hemoglobin known as Hb SS and is the most severe form of SCD, individuals with this form also experience the worst symptoms at a higher rate.
  2. HEMOGLOBIN SC DISEASE:  occurs when you inherit the Hb C gene from one parent and the Hb S gene from the other.  Individuals with Hb SC have similar symptoms to individuals with Hb SS as it is the second most common type of sickle cell disease. However, the anaemia is less severe.
  3. HEMOGLOBIN SB+ (BETA) THALASSEMIA: Haemoglobin which affects beta-globin gene production. The size of the red blood cell is reduced because less beta protein is made. If inherited with the Hb S gene, you will have haemoglobin S beta-thalassemia. Symptoms are not as severe.

There also are a few rare types of SCD:

HbSD, HbSE, and HbSO; People who have these forms of SCD inherit one sickle cell gene (“S”) and one gene from an abnormal type of hemoglobin (“D”, “E”, or “O”). Hemoglobin is a protein that allows red blood cells to carry oxygen to all parts of the body.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

SCD symptoms vary from person to person, with a range from mild to severe;

Symptoms may include;

  • Excessive fatigue or irritability, from anemia
  • Jaundice
  • Leg ulcer
  • Pain crises
  • Frequent infections
  • Pain in the chest, back, arms, or leg

COMPLICATIONS OF SICKLE CELL DISEASE

Sickle cell anaemia can lead to a host of complications, including:

  • Stroke
  • Acute chest syndrome
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Organ damage
  • Blindness
  • Leg ulcers
  • Gallstones
  • Priapism
  • Pregnancy complications

TREATMENT OF SICKLE CELL TREATMENT.

There is no single best treatment for all people with SCD. Treatment options are different for each person depending on the symptoms. These may include;

  • Pain medications.
  • Blood transfusions.
  • Vaccinations and antibiotics which are used to prevent infections.
  • Folic acid.
  • Hydroxyurea.
  • Regular eye exams.

PREVENTION

If you carry the sickle cell trait, seeing a genetic counsellor before trying to conceive can help you understand your risk of having a child with sickle cell anaemia. They can also explain possible treatments, preventive measures, and reproductive options.

Facebook
WhatsApp
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related Articles

A graphic design of World Down Syndrome Day
Uncategorized

We Connect So That We Can

People with Down Syndrome must not be left alone in this era of Covid 19. The basic purpose of WDSD is to increase awareness about this disorder and to stand with those people with Down Syndrome.

Read →
Rare Disease Day 2022
Uncategorized

Share Your Colours

Rare diseases can have many causes. The majority (72%) are found to be genetic, caused by family history, congenital disabilities, or changes in chromosomes. Of those, 70% start during childhood.

Read →
Uncategorized

Understanding Cerebral Palsy

Every person living with cerebral palsy is a reason to strive for change, hence, it is essential to become a catalyst for change to help improve the lives of those with cerebral palsy.

Read →
Uncategorized

WORLD DIABETES DAY 2021

Diabetes has been increasing in prevalence over the last few years. It is estimated that by 2025, there will be 422 million people suffering from the condition worldwide – an increase of more than 40% on current figures according to the International Diabetes Federation 2021.

Read →

Subscribe to our newsletter

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive articles like these in your email. We also share with you offers, news and other updates. Use the unsubscribe link in those emails to opt-out at any time.

Let’s connect

We will love to connect with you. For your health needs, inquiries, suggestions or feedback simply hit the ‘Get in touch’ button let’s connect.

Let's Connect - MetroHealth HMO
Chat with us